Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

In the slot machine  1 , in a case that the symbol combination stopped and displayed through the variable display portions  21  to  25  becomes three symbols “SARDINE” which are stopped and displayed at the same time with no relation to the activated pay lines in the base game or the bonus game, or in a case that five symbols “WILD” are stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, or in a case that the JP is won (S 62 : YES), the first reel strip  101  variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on the variable display portion  21  is changed to the sixth reel strip in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, till any one of the termination conditions is satisfied form the next game, thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in which the probability to win the winning symbol combination increases in comparison with the normal mode (S 63 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS(S)

This application is based upon and claims a priority from the priorJapanese Patent Application Nos. 2004-228546 filed on Aug. 4, 2004,2004-228592 filed on Aug. 4, 2004, 2004-228613 filed on Aug. 4, 2004,2004-228463 filed on Aug. 4, 2004, 2004-228518 filed on Aug. 4, 2004 and2004-228409 filed on Aug. 4, 2004, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which apredetermined number of game media are paid out to a player in a casethat symbols stopped and displayed on a variable display device become asymbol combination corresponding to a predetermined winning symbolcombination. In particular, the present invention relates to a gamingmachine through which variegated games can be provided to the playerwithout losing interest for games by producing a special game state inwhich a probability capable of stopping and displaying the predeterminedwinning symbol combination on the variable display device increases.

And the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game toconduct variable display of symbols and to stop and display the symbolsis repeated and continued. In particular, the present invention relatesto a gaming machine in which a game state shifts to a special game modethat a probability according to which a predetermined winning symbolcombination is stopped and displayed on a variable display deviceincreases, when a predetermined number concerning with the game, suchnumber being accumulatively added corresponding to continuity of thegame, becomes a predetermined value, thereby variegated games can beprovided to the player without losing interest for games.

Further, the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which agame to conduct variable display of symbols and to stop and display thesymbols is repeated and continued. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a gaming machine in which a game state shifts to a specialgame mode that a probability according to which a predetermined winningsymbol combination is stopped and displayed on a variable display deviceincreases, when an elapsing time counted from a predetermined standardtime becomes a predetermined time, thereby variegated games can beprovided to the player without losing interest for games.

And the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game toconduct variable display of symbols and to stop and display the symbolsis repeated and continued. In particular, the present invention relatesto a gaming machine in which a game state shifts to a special game modethat a probability according to which a predetermined winning symbolcombination is stopped and displayed on a variable display deviceincreases, based on a lottery result, thereby variegated games can beprovided to the player without losing interest for games.

Further, the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which agame to conduct variable display of symbols and to stop and display thesymbols is repeated and continued. In particular, the present inventionrelates to a gaming machine in which a game state shifts to a specialgame mode that a probability according to which a predetermined winningsymbol combination is stopped and displayed on a variable display deviceincreases, when a payout rate measured corresponding to continuity ofthe game becomes a predetermined rate, thereby variegated games can beprovided to the player without losing interest for games.

And the present invention relates to a gaming machine in which a game toconduct variable display of symbols and to stop and display the symbolsis repeated and continued. In particular, the present invention relatesto a gaming machine in which a game state shifts to a special game modethat a probability according to which a predetermined winning symbolcombination is stopped and displayed on a variable display deviceincreases, when a predetermined number of game media accumulativelystored with a predetermined rate becomes a predetermined number, therebyvariegated games can be provided to the player without losing interestfor games.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, it is raised a slot machine as a gaming machine in whichsymbols displayed on each of variable display portions in the variabledisplay device are determined on the basis of random numbers and apayout is paid out according to the symbol combination displayed on thevariable display portions.

And in the above mentioned slot machine, as a game method to drawplayer's attention, it is popularized a game method which provides abonus game. For example, this bonus game means a game which is executedin the slot machine when a predetermined symbol arrangement is realizedand in which games with a predetermined number of times can be conductedwithout inserting medals or which gives a beneficial condition to theplayer that symbols are easily arranged for a predetermined time incomparison with a base game. For example, as shown in UnexaminedJapanese Publication No. 2003-180908, it is disclosed a video slotmachine in which it is conducted a bonus game that when more than twotarget symbols TS on reels are stopped on a head line, remaining reelsare again automatically rotated with a predetermined number of timeswhile the reels of which the target symbols TS are stopped on the headline are fixed.

However, in the video slot machine disclosed in the above reference,although two game modes of the base game and the bonus game are providedand games are made variegated, there occurs no change in a game streamin each of the games. Therefore, although it can be raised expectationof the player that the game mode will change to a beneficial state forthe player till the game mode shifts to the bonus game, after the gamemode shifts to the bonus game the game mode again only returns to thebase game after a predetermined time elapses. Thus, expectation of theplayer is made thin and interest for games is reduced. And a conditionto shift the game mode from the base game to the bonus game is presetevery the slot machine, therefore the player can predict a timing toshift to the bonus game. As a result, it is further desired avariegation of the game so that the game mode is able to shift to a newgame mode other than the bonus game at an unpredictable timing for theplayer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to dissolve the above problems, the present invention has beendone and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which a game modeshifts to a special game mode that a probability according to which awinning symbol combination is stopped and displayed on a variabledisplay device at an unpredictable timing for a player increases,thereby a wave can be produced in payout of game media even in the samegame mode and game characteristic can be variegated without losing ofthe player's interest.

In order to accomplish the above object, according to one aspect of thepresent invention, it is provided a gaming machine comprising:

-   -   a display device having a plurality of variable display portions        in each of which plural kinds of symbols are variably displayed;    -   a stop control device for conducting stop control of the symbols        which are stopped and displayed in each of the variable display        portions;    -   a payout device for paying out a predetermined number of game        media when a symbol combination formed by the symbols stopped        and displayed in each of the variable display portions becomes a        predetermined winning symbol combination; and    -   a shift device for shifting a game state to a special game mode        in which a probability according to which the predetermined        winning symbol combination is stopped and displayed through the        variable display portions by the stop control device increases,    -   wherein the shift device retains the special game mode till a        predetermined termination condition is satisfied in a case that        the winning symbol combination satisfies a predetermined start        condition.

In the gaming machine constructed according to the above, the game stateis shifts to the special game mode in which a probability according towhich the predetermined winning symbol combination is stopped anddisplayed through the variable display portions by the stop controldevice increases by the shift device. Thereby, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games.

The above and further objects and novel features of the invention willmore fully appear from the following detailed description when the sameis read in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purpose ofillustration only and not intended as a definition of the limits of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantagesand principles of the invention.

In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline construction of a slotmachine according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 2 is a front view of variable display portions of the slot machineaccording to the first embodiment,

FIG. 3 is a front view of a control panel of the slot machine accordingto the first embodiment,

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing symbol columns whichare variably displayed on each of the variable display portions byutilizing the first reel strip to the fifth reel strip,

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a symbol “LOBSTER”,

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of theslot machine according to the first embodiment,

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a liquid crystal drivecircuit of a liquid crystal display,

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing memory areas in a ROM of the firstembodiment,

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing memory areas in a RAM of the firstembodiment,

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a symbol lottery table forconducting a lottery of symbols stopped and displayed on the variabledisplay portions,

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a termination lottery table of aprobability change mode based on which it is determined whether or notthe probability change mode is continued,

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a payout table in which winningsymbol combinations and payouts thereof are shown,

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing reel strips utilized in a normalmode and the probability change mode, wherein FIG. 13 (a) shows reelstrips utilized in the normal mode and FIG. 13 (b) shows reel stripsutilized in the probability change mode,

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view schematically showing a symbol columnvariably displayed on the variable display portion through the sixthreel strip,

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a main process program conducted in the slotmachine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a start acceptance process program conductedin the slot machine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a lottery process program conducted in theslot machine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a base game process program conducted in theslot machine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a bonus game process program conducted in theslot machine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the first embodiment,

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a lower liquid crystal display when agame state shifts to the probability change mode,

FIG. 22 is a front view of the lower liquid crystal display when theprobability change mode is terminated,

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a lottery process program conducted in theslot machine of the second embodiment,

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a bonus game process program conducted in theslot machine of the second embodiment,

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a winning symbol combinationlottery table for the normal mode utilized in the second embodiment,

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a winning symbol combinationlottery table for the probability change mode utilized in the secondembodiment,

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the third embodiment,

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a termination condition lotterytable utilized in the third embodiment,

FIG. 29 is a front view of the lower liquid crystal display on which atermination condition is displayed,

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view showing memory areas in a RAM of thefourth embodiment,

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the fourth embodiment,

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the fifth embodiment,

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the sixth embodiment,

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the seventh embodiment,

FIG. 35 is an explanatory view showing memory areas in a ROM of theeighth embodiment,

FIG. 36 is an explanatory view of a shift lottery table of a probabilitychange mode based on which it is determined whether or not a game stateshifts to the probability change mode,

FIG. 37 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the eighth embodiment,

FIG. 38 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the ninth embodiment,

FIG. 39 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the tenth embodiment,

FIG. 40 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the eleventh embodiment,

FIG. 41 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the twelfth embodiment, and

FIG. 42 is a flowchart of a probability change mode changing processprogram conducted in the slot machine of the thirteenth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to the present invention will bedescribed with reference to the drawings based on the first to thethirteenth embodiments embodying the present invention into a slotmachine.

First Embodiment

At first, an outline construction of the slot machine according to thefirst embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3.FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline construction of the slotmachine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front viewshowing variable display portions of the slot machine according to thefirst embodiment. And FIG. 3 is a front view showing a control panel ofthe slot machine according to the first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 2 which forms wholeconstruction of the slot machine 1. An upper liquid crystal display 3 isarranged at a front upper position of the cabinet 2 and a lower liquidcrystal display 4 is arranged on a device front panel 20 disposed at afront center position of the cabinet 2. Here, the upper liquid crystaldisplay 3 is constructed from a liquid crystal display which isgenerally used and the lower liquid crystal display 4 is alsoconstructed from a liquid crystal display which is generally used.

On the upper liquid crystal display 3, it is displayed informationconcerning with a game such as game methods, kinds of winning symbolcombinations, payouts thereof and various effects. And on the lowerliquid crystal display 4, credits which a player holds at present aredisplayed and five variable display portions 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 aredisplayed at the center thereof. Further, in each of the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25, various symbols mentioned later are variablydisplayed while scrolling from the upper position toward the lowerposition, thereafter stopped and displayed.

Therefore, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is a so-calledvideo slot machine in which a slot game (two game modes of a base gameand a bonus game) is conducted by video reels which are realized anddisplayed on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25 of the lowerliquid crystal display 4. Here, in the slot game (base game and bonusgame) according to the first embodiment, symbols stopped and displayedin each of the variable display portions 21 to 25 respectively existthree (totally 15 symbols).

Concretely, as shown in FIG. 2, the variable display portions 21 to 25are respectively divided into the first stop display areas 211, 221,231, 241, 251, the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242, 252 andthe third stop display areas 213, 223, 233, 243, 253, and symbols arestopped and displayed in each of the stop display areas 211˜213,221˜223, 231˜233, 241˜243, 251˜253.

And in the slot game (base game and bonus game), there exist twenty-fivepay lines formed by five stop areas among the stop areas 211˜213,221˜223, 231˜233, 241˜243, 251˜253. When each of the pay lines isactivated and specific symbols are aligned with a specific mode on theactivated pay line when the symbols are respectively stopped anddisplayed in each stop display area, a payout is given to the player.Here, each of the pay lines will be described.

The first pay line L1 is formed by the second stop display areas 212,222, 231, 242 and 252. The second pay line L2 is formed by the firststop display areas 211, 221, 231, 241 and 251. The third pay line L3 isformed by the third stop display areas 213, 223, 233, 243 and 253. Thefourth pay line L4 is formed by the first stop display areas 211, 221,231, 241 and the third stop display area 253. The fifth pay line L5 isformed by the first stop display area 251 and the third stop displayareas 213, 223, 233, 243. The sixth pay line L6 is formed by the firststop display areas 211, 221, 231, 241 and the second stop display area252. The seventh pay line L7 is formed by the second stop display area252 and the third stop display areas 213, 223, 233, 243, The eighth payline L8 is formed by the first stop display areas 211, 221, 231, 251 andthe second stop display area 242. The ninth pay line L9 is formed by thesecond stop display area 242 and the third stop display areas 213, 223,233, 253. The tenth pay line L1 is formed by the first stop displayareas 211, 221,231 and the third stop display areas 243, 253. Theeleventh pay line L11 is formed by the first stop display areas 241, 251and the third stop display areas 213, 223, 233. The twelfth pay line L12is formed by the first stop display areas 211, 221, 231, 251 and thethird stop display area 243. The thirteenth pay line L13 is formed bythe first stop display area 241 and the third stop display areas 213,223, 233, 253. The fourteenth pay line L14 is formed by the first stopdisplay areas 241, 251 and the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232.The fifteenth pay line L15 is formed by the second stop display areas212, 222, 232 and the third stop display areas 243, 253. The sixteenthpay line L16 is formed by the first stop display area 241 and the secondstop display areas 212, 222, 232, 252. The seventeenth pay line L17 isformed by the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 252 and the thirdstop display area 243. The eighteenth pay line L18 is formed by thefirst stop display area 251 and the second stop display areas 212, 222,232, 242. The nineteenth pay line L19 is formed by the second stopdisplay areas 212, 222, 232, 242 and the third stop display area 253.The twentieth pay line L20 is formed by the first stop display areas241, 251 and the second stop display areas 212, 222 and the third stopdisplay area 233. The twenty-first pay line L21 is formed by the firststop display area 231 and the second stop display areas 212, 222 and thethird stop display areas 243, 253. The twenty-second pay line L22 isformed by the first stop display areas 221, 241 and the second stopdisplay area 212 and the third stop display areas 233, 253. Thetwenty-third pay line L23 is formed by the first stop display areas 231,251 and the second stop display area 212 and the third stop displayareas 223, 243. The twenty-fourth pay line L24 is formed by the firststop display areas 211, 231 and the third stop display areas 23,243,253. The twenty-fifth pay line L25 is formed by the first stop displayareas 221, 241, 251 and the third stop display areas 213, 233.

Here, the pay line which is activated among the above twenty-five paylines is called as “activated pay line”.

And on the lower liquid crystal display 4, a JP (Jack Pot) sum displayportion 11 is formed under the variable display portions 21 to 25. Here,Jack Pot (hereinafter, abbreviated as JP) means a specific system that aplurality of slot machines, which are predetermined, are connected withon-line and a predetermined percent (%) of coins betted in plural slotmachines is added to a reserve prize fund and when anyone wins apredetermined winning symbol combination, he or she can obtain such JPprize which is accumulated, In the first embodiment, 10 percent (%) ofthe credit number (one credit corresponds to one coin) betted byoperation of a control table 5 (mentioned later) among 20 slot machinesincluding the slot machine 1 in a game arcade is accumulated. And thecredit number accumulated at present is displayed in the JP sum displayportion 11.

Further, in a case that a game state shifts to a probability change modein which a probability to win the winning symbol combination (mentionedlater) increases in comparison with a normal game mode, characters“PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” (or “SPECIAL TIME!!”) aredisplayed for five seconds in a display area other than the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum display portion 11, thereby itis notified to the player that the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode (see FIG. 21). On the other hand, if the probability changemode is terminated, characters “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”(or “FINISHED SPECIAL TIME!!) are displayed for five seconds, thereby itis notified to the player that the probability change mode is terminated(see FIG. 22).

Here, the method to notify to the player that the probability changemode is realized and the probability change mode is terminated may bedone by the other sentence expression without being limited to themethod to display the above characters on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4. Further, notification to the player may be conducted bydisplaying a special image on the display or sounding the charactersfrom speakers.

And under the lower liquid crystal display 4 it is arranged a controlpanel 5 which is projected forward. As shown in FIG. 3, on the controlpanel 5, a COLLECT button 31 and a GAME RULES button 32 are arranged inthe upper line from the most left end thereof. And a BET1 PER LINEbutton 33, a BET2 PER LINE button 34, a BET3 PER LINE button 35, a BET5PER LINE button 36, a BET8 PER LINE button 37 and a WIN START FEATUREbutton 38 are arranged in the middle line from the most left endthereof. Further, a RED PLAY 1LINE button 39, a PLAY 2LINES button 40, aPLAY 5LINES button 41, a PLAY 20LINES button 42, a BLACK PLAY 25LINESbutton 43 and a GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 are arranged on the lower linefrom the most left end thereof. And as shown in FIG. 1, at the rightside of the control panel 5, a coin insertion slot 9 and a billinsertion slot 10 are arranged.

Here, the COLLECT button 31 is a button which is pressed when the basegame is terminated and when the COLLECT button 31 is pressed, coinsequivalent to the credit number obtained in the game are paid out from acoin payout opening 15 to a coin tray 16 through a hopper 71 (see FIG.6) installed in the slot machine 1. Here, to the COLLECT button 31, aCOLLECT switch 45 is attached and a switch signal is output to a CPU 50(see FIG. 6) based on press of the COLLECT button 31.

The GAME RULES button 32 is a button which is pressed when gameoperation method is unclear, and when the GAME RULES button 32 ispressed, various help information is displayed on the upper liquidcrystal display 3 or the lower liquid crystal display 4. To this GAMERULES button 32, a GAME RULES switch 46 is attached and a switch signalis output from the GAME RULES switch 46 to the CPU 50 based on press ofthe GAMERULES button 32 (see FIG. 6).

To the coin insertion slot 9, a coin sensor 49 is disposed and whencoins are inserted into the coin insertion slot 9, a coin detectionsignal is output to the CPU 50 through the coin sensor 49 (see FIG. 6),and credits corresponding to coins inserted are accumulated. And to thebill insertion slot 10, a bill sensor 67 is attached and when a bill isinserted into the bill insertion slot 10, a bill detection signal isoutput to the CPU 50 through the bill sensor (see FIG. 6), and creditscorresponding to the bill inserted are accumulated.

The BET1 PER LINE button 33 is a button to bet one credit among thecredits obtained by the player at present against each of the pay linesevery one time press thereof. To this BET1 PER LINE button 33, a 1-BETswitch 57 is attached and when the BET1 PER LINE button 33 is pressed, aswitch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 1-BET switch 57 based onpress of the BET1 PER LINE button 33 (see FIG. 6). The BET2 PER LINEbutton 34 is a button to start the game with 2 bets against each of thepay lines based on press thereof. To this BET2 PER LINE button 34, a2-BET switch 58 is attached and when the BET2 PER LINE button 34 ispressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 2-BET switch58 (see FIG. 6).

The BET3 PER LINE button 35 is a button to start the game with 3 betsagainst each of the pay lines based on press thereof. To the BET3 PERLINE button 35, a 3-BET switch 59 is attached and when the BET3 PER LINEbutton 35 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the3-BET switch 59 (see FIG. 6). And the BET5 PER LINE 36 is a button tostart the game with 5 bets against each of the pay lines based on pressthereof. To the BET5 PER line button 36, a 5-BET switch 60 is attachedand when the BET5 PER LINE button 36 is pressed, a switch signal isoutput to the CPU 50 from the 5-BET switch 60 based on press of the BET5PER LINE button 36 (see FIG. 6).

The BET8 PER LINE button 37 is a button to start the game with 8 betsagainst each of the pay lines based on press thereof. To the BET8 PERLINE button 37, a 8-BET switch 61 is attached and when the BET8 PER LINEbutton 37 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the8-BET switch 61 based on press of the BET8 PER LINE button 37 (see FIG.6).

Therefore, there will exist 1 bet, 2 bets, 3 bets, 5 bets and 8 bets asthe bet number which can be betted by press of the BET1 PER LINE button33, the BET2 PER LINE button 34, the BET3 PER LINE button 35, the BET5PER LINE button 36 and the BET8 PER LINE button 37.

The WIN START FEATURE button 38 is a button to start a bonus gamementioned later or add the payout obtained in the bonus game to thecredit on the basis of press thereof. To the WIN START FEATURE button38, a WIN-START switch 47 is attached and when the WIN START FEATUREbutton 38 is pressed, a switch signal is output to the CPU 50 from theWIN•START switch 47 (see FIG. 6).

The RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 is a button to start the game whileretaining the number of the activated pay line to “1” on the basis ofpress thereof. To the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, a 1-LINE switch 62 isattached and when the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 is pressed, a switchsignal is output to the CPU 50 from the 1-LINE switch 62 (see FIG. 6).And the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 is a button to start the game whileretaining the number of the activated pay line to “2” on the basis ofpress thereof. To the PLAY 2 LINES button 40, a 2-LINES switch 63 isattached and when the PLAY 2 LINES button 40 is pressed, a switch signalis output to the CPU 50 from the 2-LINES switch 63 (see FIG. 6).

The PLAY 5 LINES button 41 is a button to start the game while retainingthe number of the activated pay line to “5” on the basis of pressthereof. To the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, a 5-LINES switch 64 is attachedand when the PLAY 5 LINES button 41 is pressed, a switch signal isoutput to the CPU 50 from the 5-LINES switch 64 (see FIG. 6). And thePLAY 20 LINES button 42 is a button to start the game while retainingthe number of the activated pay line to “20” on the basis of pressthereof. To the PLAY 20 LINES button 42, a 20-LINES switch 65 isattached and when the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 is pressed, a switchsignal is output to the CPU 50 from the 20-LINES switch 65 (see FIG. 6).

The BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 is a button to start the game whileretaining the number of the activated pay line to “25” on the basis ofpress thereof. To the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43, a 25-LINES switch66 is attached and when the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 is pressed, aswitch signal is output to the CPU 50 from the 25-LINES switch 66 (seeFIG. 6).

Therefore, there will exist “1” pay line, “2” pay lines, “5” pay lines,“20” pay lines and “25” pay lines as the number of the activated paylines which can be determined by press of the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39,the PLAY 2 LINES button 49, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20LINES button 42, the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43.

When the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 is pressed, the first pay line L1mentioned in the above is activated. And when the PLAY 2 LINES button 40is pressed, both of the first pay line L1 and the second pay line L2 areactivated. Similarly, when the PLAY 5 LINES button 41 is pressed, thefirst pay line L1˜the fifth pay line L5 are activated. When the PLAY 20LINES button 42 is pressed, the first pay line L1˜the twentieth pay lineL20 are activated. When the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 is pressed,all of the first pay line L1˜the twenty-fifth pay line L25 areactivated.

And each of the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button 49,the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 and the BLACKPLAY 25 LINES button 43 is a button to start the game with the presentbet number and the number of the activated pay lines and to startvariable display of the symbols on each of the variable display portions21 to 25 in the lower liquid crystal display 4.

The GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is a button to be pressed when the playerleaves the seat and to shift to the double down game after the bonusgame is terminated. Here, although the double down game means a gamedone by using the credits obtained in the bonus game by utilizing theRED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 and the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43,explanation thereof will be omitted.

To the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44, a GAMBLE•RESERVE switch 48 is attachedand when the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 is pressed, a switch signal isoutput to the CPU 50 from the GAMBLE•RESERVE switch 48 (see FIG. 6).

And at a lower position of the cabinet 2, a coin payout opening 15 isformed and a coin tray 16 for receiving coins paid out from the coinpayout opening 15 is provided. Within the coin payout opening 15 it isarranged a coin detection portion 73 (mentioned later) which isconstructed from the hopper 71 capable of discharging coins one by oneand sensors (see FIG. 6). And the coin detection portion 73 counts thenumber of coins paid out from the coin payout opening 15. Here, insteadthat coins are directly paid out, a receipt sheet on which the number(value) of coins is printed may be discharged. At that time, the playercarries such receipt sheet to the counter of the game arcade, therebythe receipt sheet can be exchanged with goods at the counter.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, it will be described the symbol columnswhich are variably displayed while being scrolled on each of thevariable display portions 21 to 25, the symbol columns being displayedon the lower liquid crystal display 4 in both the base game and thebonus game. In FIG. 4, the symbol column indicated by a first reel strip101 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variabledisplay portion 21, the symbol column indicated by a second reel strip102 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the displayportion 22, the symbol column indicated by a third reel strip 103corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variabledisplay portion 23, the symbol column indicated by a fourth reel strip104 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variabledisplay portion 24 and the symbol column indicated by a fifth reel strip105 corresponds to a symbol column variably displayed on the variabledisplay portion 25.

Here, dot data to form images of the symbol columns shown in the firstreel strip 101 to the fifth reel strip 105 are stored in an image ROM 82(see FIG. 7).

Here, the symbol columns respectively indicated by the first to fifthreel strips 101 to 105 have different symbol columns from each other andeach symbol column is constructed from 13 symbols by voluntarilycombining “LOBSTER”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”,“A”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, “WILD” and “SARDINE”.

Among the symbols, “LOBSTER” shows the symbol of lobster as shown inFIG. 5. And although “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”,“SARDINE” are not shown, each symbol shows a shark, a fish, a personhaving a guitar, an octopus, a crab, a worm and a sardine, respectively.And each of “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J” and “WILD” shows a symbol of Englishcharacter (s), respectively.

And when “LOBSTER”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”,“A”, “K”, “Q”, “J” is stopped and displayed with a predetermined numberalong the first pay line L1 to the twenty-fifth pay line L25 from theleft end thereof, a predetermined number of credits are added to thecredit obtained by the player (see FIG. 12).

And “SARDINE” is a so-called scatter symbol and if more than two“SARDINE” symbols are totally stopped and displayed on the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 with no relation to the pay lines, apredetermined credit number is added to the credit obtained by theplayer (see FIG. 129). Further, as mentioned later, “SARDINE” is a bonusgame shift symbol to shift to the bonus game and if more than four“SARDINE” symbols are totally stopped and displayed on the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 with no relation to the pay lines, the gamestate shifts to the bonus game.

And “WILD” is an almighty symbol which can be substituted for any of“LOBSTER”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”,“Q” and “J”, other than the “SARDINE” (scatter symbol).

And when any of the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button40, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 and theBLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 is pressed and the game is started, thesymbol columns shown in the first reel strip 101 to the fifth reel strip105 are scrolled in each of the variable display portions 21 to 25 fromthe upper position toward the lower position and three symbols arestopped and displayed in each of the variable display portions after apredetermined time elapses.

Further, various winning symbol combinations (see FIG. 12) are presetbased on plural kinds of symbol combinations and when the symbolcombination corresponding to the winning symbol combination is stoppedon the pay line which is activated, the payout is added to the creditcorresponding to the winning symbol combination. And with no relation tothe pay lines, in a case that more than four “SARDINE” symbols arestopped and displayed at the same time, the game state shifts to thebonus game.

On the other hand, with no relation to the pay lines, if more than tree“SARDINE” symbols are stopped and displayed at the same time, if five“WILD” symbols are stopped or if the JP is won, the game state shifts toa probability change mode that a probability according to which thewinning symbol combination is stopped on the pay line activatedincreases. Here, the probability change mode will be describedhereinafter in detail.

Next, it will be described a construction of control system in the slotmachine 1 with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagramschematically showing a control system of the slot machine 1.

In FIG. 6, the control system of the slot machine 1 is basicallyconstructed from a CPU 50, and a ROM 51 and a RAM 52 are connected tothe CPU 50. In the ROM 51, a main process program mentioned later, abase game process program, a bonus game process program, a probabilitychange mode process program, a symbol lottery table to conduct a lotteryof stop display symbols (see FIG. 10), a lottery table to conduct alottery of termination of the probability change mode (see FIG. 11), apayout table to set the winning symbol combinations on the basis of thesymbol combinations stopped and displayed and to set the credit paid outbased on the winning combination (see FIG. 12), and the other variousprograms necessary for control of the slot machine 1 and data tables(see FIG. 8). And the RAM 52 is a memory to temporarily store counters(winning symbol combination counter, total credit counter of creditstotally obtained, credit counter of credits obtained in the probabilitychange mode, total game number counter, game number counter of gamesdone in the probability change mode, bet credit counter), the countersbeing utilized when termination condition in the probability change modeis conducted, and to store various data calculated by the CPU 50 (FIG.9).

And to the CPU 50, a clock pulse generator 53 for generating standardclock pulses and a frequency divider 54 are connected, and a randomnumber generator 55 for generating random numbers and a random numbersampling circuit 56 are also connected. The random number sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56 is utilized in variouslotteries of the winning symbol combinations and the like. Further, tothe CPU 50, the COLLECT switch 45 attached to the COLLECT button 31, theGAME-RULES switch 46 attached to the GAME RULES button 32, the 1-BETswitch 57 attached to the BET 1 PER LINE button 33, the 2-BET switch 58attached to the BET 2 PER LINES button 34, the 3-BET switch 59 attachedto the BET 3 PER LINES button 35, the 5-BET switch 60 attached to theBET 5 PER LINES button 36, the 8-BET switch 60 attached to the BET 8 PERLINES button 37, the WIN-START switch 47 attached to the WIN STARTFEATURE button 38, the 1-LINE switch 62 attached to the RED PLAY 1 LINEbutton 39, the 2-LINES switch 63 attached to the PLAY 2 LINES button 40,the 5-LINES switch 64 attached to the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the20-LINES switch 65 attached to the PLAY 20 LINES button 42, the 25-LINESswitch 66 attached to the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 and theGAMBLE•RESERVE switch 48 attached to the GAMBLE RESERVE button 44 areconnected, respectively. The CPU 50 conducts control to execute variousoperations each of which corresponds to each button, based on the switchsignal output from each switch by press thereof.

Further, to the CPU 50, the coin sensor 49 arranged in the coininsertion slot 9 and the bill sensor 67 arranged in the bill insertionportion 10 are respectively connected. The coin sensor 49 detects coinsinserted from the coin insertion slot 9 and the CPU 50 calculates thenumber of inserted coins based on the coin detection signal output fromthe coin sensor 49. The bill sensor 67 detects kinds and sum of the billinserted from the bill insertion portion 10 and the CPU 50 calculatesthe credit number equal to the sum of bill, based on the bill detectionsignal output from the bill sensor 67.

To the CPU 50, a hopper 71 is connected through a hopper drive circuit70. When a drive signal is output to the hopper drive circuit 70 fromthe CPU 50, the hopper 71 pays out a predetermined number of coins fromthe coin payout opening 15.

And to the CPU 50, a coin detection portion 73 is connected through apayout completion signal circuit 72. The coin detection portion 73 isarranged in the coin payout opening 15 and when the coin detectionportion 73 detects that a predetermined number of coins are paid outfrom the coin payout opening 15, a coin payout detection signal isoutput to the payout completion signal circuit 72 from the coindetection portion 73, thereby the payout completion signal circuit 72outputs a payout completion signal to the CPU 50. Further, to the CPU50, the upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 are connected through a liquid crystal drive circuit 74, andthe upper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display4 are controlled by the CPU 50.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the liquid crystal drive circuit 74 isconstructed from a program ROM 81, an image ROM 82, an image control CPU83, a work RAM 84, a VDP (video display processor) 85 and a video RAM68. And in the program ROM 81, there are stored an image control programfor controlling display of the upper liquid crystal display 3 and thelower liquid crystal display 4 and various selection tables. And in theimage ROM 82, for example, there are stored dot data for forming imagesof the symbol columns indicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to105 in FIG. 14, such images being displayed on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 (or variable display portions 21 to 25).

And the image control CPU 83 determines the images displayed on theupper liquid crystal display 3 and the lower liquid crystal display 4among the dot data stored beforehand in the image ROM 82, according tothe image control program stored beforehand in the program ROM 81 basedon parameters set by the CPU 50. Further, on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4, the JP sum (credit number) stored in the JP sum storing area52F of the RAM 52 is displayed in the JP sum display portion 11. And thework RAM 84 functions as temporary memory when the image control programis executed by the image control CPU 83. And the VDP 85 forms imagescorresponding to display contents determined by the image control CPU 83and outputs such images to the upper liquid crystal display 3 and thelower liquid crystal display 4. Thereby, for example, the symbol columnsindicated by the first to fifth reel strips 101 to 105 are scrolled anddisplayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4 (or the variable displayportions 21 to 25). Here, the video RAM 86 functions as temporary memorywhen images are formed by the VDP 85.

And to the CPU 50, LEDs 78 are connected through a LED drive circuit 77.Many LEDs 78 are arranged on the front plane of the slot machine 1 andare controlled so as to turn on or turn off by the LED drive circuit 77based on the drive signal from the CPU 50, when various effects aredone. In particular, in the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment, the LEDs 78 are turned on in the probability change modementioned later, thereby various effects are done.

Further, a sound output circuit 79 and a speaker 80 are connected to theCPU 50 and the speaker 80 produces various effect sounds when variouseffects are conducted based on the output signal from the sound outputcircuit 79. In particular, in the slot machine 1 according to the firstembodiment, music different from that in the normal state is played,thereby various effects are done.

Further, to the CPU 50 a timer 87 to measure a time is connected. Timeinformation of the timer 87 is transmitted to the CPU 50 and the CPU 50terminates the probability change mode based on the time information inthe timer 87, as described hereinafter.

And in the ROM 51, as shown in FIG. 8, there are provided a symbollottery table 51A for determining symbols stopped and displayed in eachof the stop symbol areas 211˜213, 221˜223, 231˜233, 241˜243, 251˜253(see FIG. 2) of the variable display portions 21 to 25 based on randomnumbers, a lottery table 51B to determine whether or not the probabilitychange mode is terminated every one game if the game state is in theprobability change mode and a payout table 51C in which the winningsymbol combinations stopped and displayed on each of the stop displayareas and payouts thereof are stored.

And in the RAM 52, as shown in FIG. 9, a winning symbol combinationcounter 52A for accumulatively counting the number of times to win thewinning symbol combination (see FIG. 12) after the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in a case that the slot machine 1 is in theprobability change mode at present, a total credit counter 52B forcounting credits which the present player obtains after the game isstarted, a credit counter 52C for counting credits obtained after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode in a case of theprobability change mode, a total game number counter 52D for countingthe number of games done after the game is started by the presentplayer, a game number counter 52E for counting the number of games doneafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode in a case ofthe probability change mode and a bet credit counter 52G for countingthe bet number betted right after the game is started by the presentplayer. Further, a JP sum storing area 52F to store the present JP (JackPot) sum is provided in the RAM 52.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, it will be described the symbol lotterytable 51A, which is stored in the ROM 51 and utilized when symbols arestopped and displayed in each of the stop display areas 211˜213,221˜223, 231˜233, 241˜243, 251˜253 (see FIG. 2) in a case that the basegame and the bonus game are conducted by utilizing five variable displayportions 21 to 25 in the slot machine 1. FIG. 10 is an explanatory viewshowing a symbol lottery table for conducting a lottery of symbolsstopped and displayed on the variable display portions.

The symbol lottery table 51A is a lottery table for conducting a lotteryof the symbols stopped on the first pay line L1 constructed from thesecond stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242 and 252, based on randomnumbers sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56. And bydetermining the symbols stopped on the second stop display areas 212,222, 232, 242 and 252, both the symbols stopped and displayed on thefirst stop display areas 211, 221, 231, 241 and 251 and the symbolsstopped and displayed on the third stop display areas 213, 223, 233, 243and 253 are also determined according to the symbol arrangement in thereel strips (see FIG. 4). Concretely, the symbols corresponding to thecode Nos. which are smaller than the code Nos. determined based on therandom numbers by one, are stopped and displayed on the first stopdisplay areas 211, 221, 231, 241 and 251, and the symbols correspondingto the code Nos. which are larger than the code Nos. determined based onthe random numbers by one, are stopped and displayed on the third stopdisplay areas 213, 223, 233, 243 and 253.

And in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the symbolsstopped and displayed on the first pay line L1 are determined every eachof the variable display portions 21 to 25. In the symbol lottery table51A, as shown in FIG. 10, code Nos. of “00”˜“29” are respectivelyallotted to the symbol columns represented by the first symbol strip 101to the fifth symbol strips 105 in FIG. 4 and the sixth symbol strip 106(mentioned later, see FIG. 14) from the upper. And the random numbercorresponding to each of the code No. is set.

And the CPU 50 controls the random number sampling circuit 56 to samplefive random numbers so as to correspond to each of the variable displayportions 21 to 25 when the game is started and determines the symbolsstopped on the second stop display areas 212, 222, 232, 242, 252 everyeach of the variable display portions 21 to 25.

Hereinafter, the symbol column which is indicated by the first reelstrip 101, and scrolled and displayed on the variable display portion 21will be described.

If the random number sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 is“0”, the symbol “J” (English character) allotted to the code No. “00” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the random numberis “1”, the symbol “Q” (English character) allotted to the code No “01”is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the randomnumber is “2”, the symbol “LOBSTER” allotted to the code No. “02” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the random numberis “3”, the symbol “J” (English character) allotted to the code No. “03”is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the randomnumber is “4”, the symbol “Q” (English character) allotted to the codeNo. “04” is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if therandom number is “5”, the symbol “CRAB” allotted to the code No. “05” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the random numberis “6”, the symbol “A” (English character) allotted to the code No. “06”is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the randomnumber is “7”, the symbol “WORM” allotted to the code No. “07” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the random numberis “8”, the symbol “K” (English character) allotted to the code No. “08”is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the randomnumber is “9”, the symbol “FISH” allotted to the code No. “09” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, and if the randomnumber is “10”, the symbol “PUNK” (person having a guitar) allotted tothe code No. “10” is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212.

And if the random number is “11”, the symbol “Q” (English character)allotted to the code No. “11” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212, if the random number is “12”, the symbol “SHARK”allotted to the code No. “12” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212, if the random number is “13”, the symbol “WILD”(English characters) allotted to the code No. “13” is stopped anddisplayed on the stop display area 212, if the random number is “14”,the symbol “K” (English character) allotted to the code No. “14” isstopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if the random numberis “15”, the symbol “A” (English character) allotted to the code No.“15” is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if therandom number is “16”, the symbol “OCTOPUS” allotted to the code No.“16” is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212, if therandom number is “17”, the symbol “J” (English character) allotted tothe code No. “17” is stopped and displayed on the stop display area 212,if the random number is “18”, the symbol “Q” (English character)allotted to the code No. “18” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212, and if the random number is “19”, the symbol “FISH”allotted to the code No. “19” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212.

And if the random number is “20”, the symbol “K” (English character)allotted to the code No. “20” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212, if the random number is “21”, the symbol “J” (Englishcharacter) allotted to the code No. “21” is stopped and displayed on thestop display area 212, if the random number is “22”, the symbol“SARDINE” allotted to the code No. “22” is stopped and displayed on thestop display area 212, if the random number is “23”, the symbol “CRAB”allotted to the code No. “23” is stopped and displayed on the stopdisplay area 212, if the random number is “24”, the symbol “WILD”(English characters) allotted to the code No. “24” is stopped anddisplayed on the stop display area 212, if the random number is “25”,the symbol “WORM” allotted to the code No. “25” is stopped and displayedon the stop display area 212, if the random number is “26”, the symbol“Q” (English character) allotted to the code No. “26” is stopped anddisplayed on the stop display area 212, if the random number is “27”,the symbol “CRAB” allotted to the code No. “27” is stopped and displayedon the stop display area 212, if the random number is “28”, the symbol“A” (English character) allotted to the code No. “28” is stopped anddisplayed on the stop display area 212, and if the random number is“29”, the symbol “FISH” allotted to the code No. “29” is stopped anddisplayed on the stop display area 212.

Here, the above mentioned display control is similarly conducted in thesymbol column indicated by the second reel strip 102 of FIG. 4, thesymbols of the symbol column being scrolled and displayed on thevariable display portion 22. And the above mentioned display control issimilarly conducted in the symbol column indicated by the third reelstrip 103 of FIG. 4, the symbols of the symbol column being scrolled anddisplayed on the variable display portion 23. And the above mentioneddisplay control is similarly conducted in the symbol column indicated bythe fourth reel strip 104 of FIG. 4, the symbols of the symbol columnbeing scrolled and displayed on the variable display portion 24. And theabove mentioned display control is similarly conducted in the symbolcolumn indicated by the fifth reel strip 105 of FIG. 4, the symbols ofthe symbol column being scrolled and displayed on the variable displayportion 25. Further, in the probability change mode mentioned later, theabove mentioned display control is similarly conducted in the symbolcolumn indicated by the sixth reel strip 106 of FIG. 14, the symbols ofthe symbol column being scrolled and displayed on the variable displayportion 21.

The lottery table 51B is a lottery table to determine whether or not thepresent probability change mode is terminated based on the random numbersampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 every one game isfinished in the probability change mode. Here, the lottery table 51Bwill be described in detail hereinafter.

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, it will be described the winning symbolcombinations and payouts thereof in a case that the base game and thebonus game are done by using five variable display portions 21 to 25 inthe slot machine 1. FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the payout table51C showing the winning symbol combinations and payouts thereof in acase that the base game and the bonus game are done by using fivevariable display portions 21 to 25, and shows payouts in a case that thebet number is “1”. Therefore, if the bet number is “1”, the payoutnumber shown in FIG. 12 is added to the credit, and if the bet number ismore than “2”, the value obtained by multiplying the bet number with thepayout number shown in FIG. 12 is added to the credit. Here, it isexcluded a case that JP is won.

Here, concretely describing the winning symbol combinations and payoutsthereof in the base game, as shown in FIG. 12, if the symbols “LOBSTER”are stopped and displayed in series along the activated pay line on thevariable display portions 21 and 22 (if two symbols “LOBSTER” appear inseries from the left end (this case is called as “2K”)), the payoutnumber “10” can be obtained. And if the symbols “LOBSTER” are stoppedand displayed in series along the activated pay line on the variabledisplay portions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “LOBSTER” appear in seriesfrom the left end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payout number“320” can be obtained. Further, if the symbols “LOBSTER” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 24 (if four symbols “LOBSTER” appear in series from theleft end (this case is called as “4K”)), the payout number “2500” can beobtained. And if the symbols “LOBSTER” are stopped and displayed inseries along the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21to 25 (if five symbols “LOBSTER” appear in series from the left end(this case is called as “5K”)), the payout number “6000” can beobtained.

Further, in a case that the game is started with the MAX bet (a casethat all twenty-five pay lines are activated and the bet number for eachpay line is the maximum number 8), five symbols “LOBSTER” are stoppedand displayed in series along the activated pay line in the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25, the JP (Jack Pot) is won, instead of thepayout “6000”. If the JP is won, the credits corresponding the creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 (see FIG. 1) can beobtained.

And as for the symbol “SHARK”, if the symbols “SHARK” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 and 22 (if two symbols “SHARK” appear in series from theleft end (this case is called as “2K”)), the payout number “3” can beobtained. And if the symbols “SHARK” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 23(if three symbols “SHARK” appear in series from the left end (this caseis called as “3K”)), the payout number “25” can be obtained. Further, ifthe symbols “SHARK” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 24 (if foursymbols “SHARK” appear in series from the left end (this case is calledas “4K”)), the payout number “150” can be obtained. And if the symbols“SHARK” are stopped and displayed in series along the activated pay lineon the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if five symbols “SHARK”appear in series from the left end (this case is called as “5K”)), thepayout number “1000” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “FISH”, if the symbols “FISH” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 and 22 (if two symbols “FISH” appear in series from the leftend (this case is called as “2K”)), the payout number “2” can beobtained. And if the symbols “FISH” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 23(if three symbols “FISH” appear in series from the left end (this caseis called as “3K”)), the payout number “15” can be obtained. Further, ifthe symbols “FISH” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 24 (if foursymbols “FISH” appear in series from the left end (this case is calledas “4K”)), the payout number “120” can be obtained. And if the symbols“FISH” are stopped and displayed in series along the activated pay lineon the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if five symbols “FISH” appearin series from the left end (this case is called as “5K”)), the payoutnumber “500” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “PUNK” (a person having a guitar), if the symbols“PUNK” are stopped and displayed in series along the activated pay lineon the variable display portions 21 and 22 (if two symbols “PUNK” appearin series from the left end (this case is called as “2K”)), the payoutnumber “2” can be obtained. And if the symbols “PUNK” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “PUNK” appear in series from theleft end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payout number “10” can beobtained. Further, if the symbols “PUNK” are stopped and displayed inseries along the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21to 24 (if four symbols “PUNK” appear in series from the left end (thiscase is called as “4K”)), the payout number “120” can be obtained. Andif the symbols “PUNK” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if fivesymbols “PUNK” appear in series from the left end (this case is calledas “5K”)), the payout number “400” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “OCTOPUS”, if the symbols “OCTOPUS” are stoppedand displayed in series along the activated pay line on the variabledisplay portions 21 and 22 (if two symbols “OCTOPUS” appear in seriesfrom the left end (this case is called as “2K”)), the payout number “2”can be obtained. And if the symbols “OCTOPUS” are stopped and displayedin series along the activated pay line on the variable display portions21 to 23 (if three symbols “OCTOPUS” appear in series from the left end(this case is called as “3K”)), the payout number “8” can be obtained.Further, if the symbols “OCTOPUS” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 24(if four symbols “OCTOPUS” appear in series from the left end (this caseis called as “4K”)), the payout number “50” can be obtained. And if thesymbols “OCTOPUS” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if fivesymbols “OCTOPUS” appear in series from the left end (this case iscalled as “5K”)), the payout number “300” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “CRAB”, if the symbols “CRAB” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “CRAB” appear in series from theleft end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payout number “7” can beobtained. Further, if the symbols “CRAB” are stopped and displayed inseries along the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21to 24 (if four symbols “CRAB” appear in series from the left end (thiscase is called as “4K”)), the payout number “50” can be obtained. And ifthe symbols “CRAB” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if fivesymbols “CRAB” appear in series from the left end (this case is calledas “5K”)), the payout number “200” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “WORM”, if the symbols “WORM” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “WORM” appear in series from theleft end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payout number “6” can beobtained. Further, if the symbols “WORM” are stopped and displayed inseries along the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21to 24 (if four symbols “WORM” appear in series from the left end (thiscase is called as “4K”)), the payout number “40” can be obtained. And ifthe symbols “WORM” are stopped and displayed in series along theactivated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25 (if fivesymbols “WORM” appear in series from the left end (this case is calledas “5K”)), the payout number “150” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “A” (English character), if the symbols “A” arestopped and displayed in series along the activated pay line on thevariable display portions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “A” appear inseries from the left end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payoutnumber “5” can be obtained. Further, if the symbols “A” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 24 (if four symbols “A” appear in series from the leftend (this case is called as “4K”)), the payout number “25” can beobtained. And if the symbols “A” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25(if five symbols “A” appear in series from the left end (this case iscalled as “5K”)), the payout number “120” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “K” (English character), if the symbols “K” arestopped and displayed in series along the activated pay line on thevariable display portions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “K” appear inseries from the left end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payoutnumber “5” can be obtained. Further, if the symbols “K” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 24 (if four symbols “K” appear in series from the leftend (this case is called as “4K”)), the payout number “25” can beobtained. And if the symbols “K” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25(if five symbols “K” appear in series from the left end (this case iscalled as “5K”)), the payout number “120” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “Q” (English character), if the symbols “Q” arestopped and displayed in series along the activated pay line on thevariable display portions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “Q” appear inseries from the left end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payoutnumber “5” can be obtained. Further, if the symbols “Q” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 24 (if four symbols “Q” appear in series from the leftend (this case is called as “4K”)), the payout number “20” can beobtained. And if the symbols “Q” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25(if five symbols “Q” appear in series from the left end (this case iscalled as “5K”)), the payout number “100” can be obtained.

And as for the symbol “J” (English character), if the symbols “J” arestopped and displayed in series along the activated pay line on thevariable display portions 21 to 23 (if three symbols “J” appear inseries from the left end (this case is called as “3K”)), the payoutnumber “5” can be obtained. Further, if the symbols “J” are stopped anddisplayed in series along the activated pay line on the variable displayportions 21 to 24 (if four symbols “J” appear in series from the leftend (this case is called as “4K”)), the payout number “20” can beobtained. And if the symbols “J” are stopped and displayed in seriesalong the activated pay line on the variable display portions 21 to 25(if five symbols “J” appear in series from the left end (this case iscalled as “5K”)), the payout number “100” can be obtained.

And in a case that the above payout is realized on plural activated paylines, all payouts are added to the credit.

On the other hand, as for the symbol “SARDINE”, this symbol is thescatter symbol and if two symbols “SARDINE” appear (are stopped anddisplayed) on the variable display portions 21 to 25 with no relation tothe activated pay lines, that is, if the case “2K” is realized, thepayout number “2” can be obtained. If three symbols “SARDINE” appear(are stopped and displayed) on the variable display portions 21 to 25with no relation to the activated pay lines, that is, if the case “3K”is realized, the payout number “5” can be obtained. And if four symbols“SARDINE” appear (are stopped and displayed) on the variable displayportions 21 to 25 with no relation to the activated pay lines, that is,if the case “4K” is realized, the payout number “10” can be obtained.Further, if five symbols “SARDINE” appear (are stopped and displayed) onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 with no relation to the activatedpay lines, that is, if the case “5K” is realized, the payout number“125” can be obtained.

Here, concerning with only the payout obtained by the symbol “SARDINE”,the payout number calculated by multiplying the payout number shown inFIG. 12 with the total bet number (a product of the bet number and thenumber of activated pay line) is added to the credit. At that time, ifit exists the payout other than the payout on the basis of the symbol“SARDINE”, such payout is also added to the credit.

And as for the symbol “SARDINE”, this symbol is also a trigger symbol toshift to the bonus game and in a case that more than four symbols“SARDINE” appear (are stopped and displayed) at the same time on thevariable display portions 21 to 25 with no relation to the activated paylines, not only the above payout can be obtained but also the game statecan be shifted to the bonus game.

Hereinafter, the bonus game will be described. The bonus game is a gamewhich is started when a special condition is realized during the basegame and the bonus game is beneficial for the player in many cases.Here, when the game state shifts to the bonus game, games areautomatically and successively conducted in 15˜25 times according to thelottery result done when the game state shifts to the bonus game withoutbetting credits and the like.

Here, as the bet number and the number of pay lines in the bonus game,those at the time that the game state shifts to the bonus game areutilized. And although the winning symbol combinations and the payoutsin the bonus game are as same as those in the base game mentioned in theabove, the symbol “SHARK” is handles as the symbol “LOBSTER” and in acase that four symbols “SARDINE” totally appear (are stopped anddisplayed), the game state can be again shifted to the bonus game. Here,as shown in FIG. 12, since the payout is set higher for the symbol“LOBSTER” than for the symbol “SHARK” when the winning symbolcombination is won, there exists high possibility that the player canget many credits without consuming credits.

And in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, if apredetermined condition is realized during the base game and the bonusgame, the game state shifts to the probability change mode. Here, theprobability change mode means a special game mode which is realized ifthree of the symbol “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed at the same timeif five of the symbol “WILD” are stopped on the pay line and if the JPis won, with no relation to pay lines during the base game and the bonusgame.

If one of the above conditions is satisfied, the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in which the probability to win the winningcombination (see FIG. 12) becomes higher than the normal game state tilla predetermined termination condition is satisfied from the next game(here, one game means a time till variable display of the symbols isstarted on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafterthe symbols are stopped and displayed thereon).

Concretely, among the first reel strip 101˜the fifth reel strip 105which are variably moved, stopped and displayed respectively on thevariable display portions 21 to 25, the probability change mode is doneby exchanging the first reel strip 101 with the sixth reel strip 106.FIG. 13 (a) is a schematic view showing reel strips variably moved,stopped and displayed respectively on the variable display portions21˜25 in the normal mode and FIG. 13 (b) is a schematic view showing thereel strips in the probability change mode. FIG. 14 is a schematic viewshowing symbol column variably displayed on the variable display portionby the sixth reel strip 106.

As shown in FIG. 13 (a), although in the normal mode, the game isconducted by utilizing five reel strips of the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105, the reel strip which is displayed on the variabledisplay portion 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 to the sixthreel strip 106 in the probability change mode as shown in FIG. 13 (b).

In the sixth reel strip 106, many of the symbols “WILD” (Englishcharacters) and the symbols “SARDINE” are included as shown in FIG. 14.Concretely, although only two symbols “WILD” are included in the firstreel strip 101, eight symbols “WILD” are included in the sixth reelstrip 106. And although only one symbol “SARDINE” is included in thefirst reel strip 101, four symbols “SARDINE” are included in the sixthreel strip 106. Here, as mentioned in the above, the symbol “WILD” canbe substituted for the symbol (the symbol “LOBSTER”, the symbol “SHARK”,the symbol “FISH”, the symbol “PUNK”, the symbol “OCTOPUS”, the symbol“CRAB”, the symbol “WORM”, the symbol “A”, the symbol “K”, the symbol“Q”, the symbol “J”) other than the symbol “SARDINE” and the probabilityto win any of the winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 12 increasesin the probability change mode, based on that the number of the symbol“WILD” increases. Similarly, the symbol “SARDINE” is the scatter symbolthrough which the credit can be obtained if more than two symbols“SARDINE” are totally stopped and displayed on the variable displayportions 21 to 25 with no relation to the activated pay line and theprobability that two symbols “SARDINE” are stopped increases in theprobability change mode. Further, the symbol “SARDINE” is also the shiftsymbol to shift the game state to the bonus game and the probability toshift to the bonus game increases based on the number of symbol“SARDINE” increases. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts tothe probability change mode, the player can get more payout than thenormal mode with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

And when the predetermined termination condition is satisfied, theprobability change mode is terminated with the game in which thepredetermined termination condition is satisfied. The terminationcondition in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment corresponds toany one of cases: (1) if three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” arestopped on the pay line; (3) if the JP is obtained; (4) if any of thewinning symbol combinations shown in FIG. 12 is won in fifteen timesafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode; (5) if coinsobtained by the player from start of the game become more than 10,000coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed 10,000 credits); (6)if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coins after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done by the player from start ofthe game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the game number exceeds 20 gamesafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode; (9) if thepresent time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45);(10) if three minutes elapse after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (11) if termination of the probability changemode is determined in the lottery done every one game; (12) if thepayout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present credit number displayedin the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000 credits. And if suchtermination condition is satisfied, the probability change mode isterminated in such game.

Next, the termination conditions mentioned in the above will bedescribed.

At first, each of the termination conditions; (1) if three symbols“SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probability change modeat the same time with no relation to the activated pay lines, (2) iffive symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line and (3) if the JP isobtained, is as same as the start condition of the probability changemode and such termination condition is satisfied according to thesymbols stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25.Here, obtainment of the JP is realized in a case that five symbols“LOBSTER” are successively stopped and displayed on the pay line in thevariable display portions 21 to 25 if the game is started with the MAXbet (if all of twenty-five pay lines (25) are activated and the betnumber against each activated pay line is set to eight (8)). And the CPU50 determines that the symbols are stopped and displayed, therebyterminates the probability change mode after the present game isfinished.

And each of the termination conditions; (4) if any of the winning symbolcombinations shown in FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode, (5) if coins obtained bythe player from start of the game become more than 10,000 coins (if theobtained credits of the player exceed 10,000 credits), (6) if coinsobtained by the player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts tothe probability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000credits), (7) if the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games and (8) if the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode, is satisfied basedon that a predetermined number concerning with the game (the number ofwin of the winning symbol combination, the credit number obtained, thegame number conducted) is counted at the time that the player, who ispresently conducting games in the slot machine 1, starts the game or thegame state shifts to the present probability change mode and the countervalue reaches to a predetermined value.

Here, each of the above counter numbers is accumulatively counted in theRAM 52 and if the slot machine 1 is presently in the probability changemode, the number of times according to which the winning combination iswon after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, isstored in the winning symbol combination counter 52A. And the creditswhich are obtained by the present player after the game is started, arestored in the total credit counter 52B. And the credits which areobtained after the game is started if the slot machine 1 is in theprobability change mode, are stored in the credit counter 52C. And thegame number according to which the present player conducts after thegame is started, is stored in the total game number counter 52D.Further, the game number according to which the games are conductedafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode if the slotmachine 1 is in the probability change mode, is stored in the gamenumber counter 52E. And the CPU 50 determines that the counter valuestored in the RAM 52 reaches to a predetermined value and terminates theprobability change mode after the present game is finished.

And each of the termination conditions; (9) if the present time becomesany of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes(13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45) and (10) if three minuteselapse after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, issatisfied based on the present time and an elapsing time after the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode. Here, the present time andthe elapsing time after the game sate shifts to the probability changemode are measured by the timer 87 (see FIG. 6). And the CPU 50determines that the time measured by the timer 87 reaches to apredetermined time and terminates the probability change mode after thepresent game is finished.

And the termination condition; (11) if termination of the probabilitychange mode is determined in the lottery done every one game, issatisfied based on the lottery result conducted every one game (here,one game means a time till variable display of the symbols is started oneach of the variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafter the symbolsare stopped and displayed thereon) is terminated in the probabilitychange mode. FIG. 11 is a termination lottery table of the probabilitychange mode which is utilized to obtain the above lottery result.

As shown in FIG. 11, the termination table 51B is a lottery table toconduct the lottery based on the random numbers “0”˜“9” sampled by therandom number sampling circuit 56 every one game is terminated in theprobability change mode. And based on the obtained random number, it isdetermined whether the probability change mode is continuously retainedor is terminated by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number lies in the range of “0”˜“8”, theprobability change mode is continuously retained. On the other hand, ifthe random number is “9”, the probability change mode is terminatedafter the present game is finished.

Further, the termination condition; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90%,is satisfied based on a rate (payout rate) of the credits which are paidout against the credit number betted by the player. The CPU 50calculates the payout rate based on the total credit counter 52B and thebet credit counter 52G in the RAM 52 and when the CPU 50 determines thatthe present payout rate exceeds 90%, the probability change mode isterminated after the present game is finished.

Further, the termination condition; (13) if the present credit numberdisplayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000 credits, issatisfied based on the credit number of the JP accumulated by thepresent time. In the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment,10% of the credit number (one credit corresponds to one coin) bettedthrough operation of the control panel 5 is accumulated among twentyslot machines including the slot machine 1 installed in the game arcade.And the present JP sum is stored in the JP sum storing area 52F (seeFIG. 9) of the RAM 52 and the JP credit number presently accumulated isdisplayed in the JP sum display portion 11. Further, the CPU 50determines that the JP sum exceeds 100,000 credits stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F and the probability change mode is terminated after thepresent game is finished.

Here, the termination condition may be set to a case that more than twotermination conditions of (1)˜(13) mentioned in the above are satisfied,instead of the case that any one of the termination conditions of(1)˜(13) is satisfied. For example, in a case that the game numberexceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probability changemode and three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed at the sametime, the probability change mode may be terminated.

Next, the main process program done in the slot machine 1 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the mainprocess program. Here, programs shown by the flowcharts shown in FIGS.15 to 20 are stored in the ROM 51 and the RAM 52 provided in the slotmachine 1 and are executed by the CPU 50.

In FIG. 15, at first, in step (abbreviated as “S” hereinafter) 1, astart acceptance process shown in FIG. 16 is done. This process is aprocess for accepting the switch signal output from the 1-BET switch 57,the 2-BET switch 58, the 3-BET switch 59, the 5-BET switch 60, the 8-BETswitch 61, the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63, the 5-LINESswitch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, the 25-LINES switch 66, based onoperation of the BET 1 PER LINE button 33, the BET 2 PER LINES button34, the BET 3 PER LINES button 35, the BET 5 PER LINES 36, the BET 8 PERLINES button 37, the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button40, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41, the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 or the BLACKPLAY 25 LINES button 43. When the switch signal output from each switchis accepted, the game is started.

And in S2, a lottery process shown in FIG. 17 mentioned later is donebased on the switch signal output from the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINESswitch 63, the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65, the 25-LINESswitch 66.

Here, if the bonus game is won (if more than four symbols “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25 at thesame time with no relation to the pay line), the bonus game is conductedmentioned later (see FIG. 19) after the present base game is terminated.

Next, in S3, a base game process shown in FIG. 18 mentioned later isdone. Thereafter, procedure shifts to S4 and it is determined whether ornot the bonus game is won. Concretely, in the lottery process in S2, ifmore than four symbols “SARDINE” totally are stopped and displayed onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 with no relation to the activatedpay lines, the bonus game is won (S4: YES). Thereby, procedure shifts toS5 and the main process program is terminated after the bonus gameprocess shown in FIG. 19 mentioned later is done. On the other hand, inthe lottery process of S2, if more than four symbols “SARDINE” are nottotally stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25with no relation to the activated pay lines, the bonus game is not won(S4: NO), thereby the main process program is terminated.

Next, the start acceptance process conducted in S1 in the slot machine 1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the start acceptance process programexecuted in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment.

In the start acceptance process, at first, the CPU 50 determines in S11whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) iselapsed. Here, if it is determined that the predetermined time is notelapsed (S11: NO), procedure shifts to S13, and on the other hand, if itis determined that the predetermined time is elapsed (S11: YES),demonstration effect is done on the upper liquid crystal display 3 orthe lower liquid crystal display 4 in S12, thereafter procedure shiftsto S13.

And in S13, it is determined whether or not operation of the RED PLAY 1LINE button 39, the PLAY 2 LINES button 40, the PLAY 5 LINES button 41,the PLAY 20 LINES button 42 or the BLACK PLAY 25 LINES button 43 isdone. Here, if it is determined that operation of the RED PLAY 1 LINEbutton 39 and the like is not done (S13: NO), procedure returns to S11and the above procedures are repeated. On the other hand, if it isdetermined that operation of the RED PLAY 1 LINE button 39 and the likeis done (S13: YES), procedure returns to the main process program ofFIG. 15 and shifts to the lottery process in S2 even while thedemonstration effect is done.

Here, in the determination process in S13, such determination in S13 maybe conducted based on the other input signals other than the aboveoperation signals.

Thereafter, in S14, an addition process of the JP and the bet number isdone. In the addition process of the JP and the bet number, total creditnumber betted in the present game is added in the bet credit counter 52Gof the RAM 52. Here, the credit number in one game is calculated by“number of the activated pay lines x bet number per one pay line”. Forexample, in the S13, if the BET 3 PER LINE button 35 and the PLAY 20LINES button 42 are successively pressed, 3 credits are betted to eachof 20 activated pay lines, thus total 60 credits are counted by thecredit counter 52G.

And 10% of the credit number (one credit corresponds to one coin) bettedin the present game is accumulatively added as the JP. The present JPcredit number is stored in the JP sum storing area 52F of the RAM 52 andsuch JP sum is renewed by newly betting. And the JP sum displayed in theJP sum display portion 11 is also renewed according thereto. Forexample, in a case that BET 3 PER LINE button 35 and the PLAY 20 LINESbutton 42 are successively pressed in S13, 3 credits are betted to eachof the 20 activated pay lines, therefore 6 credits, which is 10% of 60credits, are added to the JP sum in the JP sum storing area 52F.

Next, the lottery process program done in S2 in the slot machine 1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the lottery process program in theslot machine according to the first embodiment.

In the lottery process, at first, a symbol determination process is donein S21. Here, in the base game, the symbol stopped and displayed on thefirst pay line L1 is determined every each of the variable displayportions 21 to 25. Concretely, five random numbers corresponding to eachof the variable display portions 21 to 25 are sampled by the randomnumber sampling circuit 56 and the code Nos. are determined withreference to the symbol lottery table 51A shown in FIG. 10. Further,based on the code No. and each of the first reel strip 101˜the sixthreel strip 106, the symbol stopped and displayed every each of thevariable display portions 21 to 25 is determined. At that time, althoughthe symbol stopped and displayed on the variable display portion 21 isdetermined by utilizing the first reel strip 101 in the normal mode,such symbol stopped and displayed is determined by utilizing the sixthreel strip 106 in the probability change mode instead of the first reelstrip 101.

And after the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, awinning symbol combination determination process is done in S22,thereafter procedure returns to the main process program in FIG. 15 andshifts to the base game process in S3. Here, concretely speaking, in thewinning symbol combination determination process, the winning symbolcombination and the payout thereof are determined based on the symboldetermined in S21 and the payout table 51C of FIG. 12.

Here, if the slot machine 1 is in the probability change mode, asmentioned, the symbol of the variable display portion 21 is variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the sixth reel strip 106 (seeFIG. 14) instead of the first reel strip 101. And kinds of the symbolson the first reel strip 101 and the sixth reel strip 106 are differentlyset with each other (the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more includedin the sixth reel strip 106 than in the first reel strip 101), therebythe probability to win the winning symbol combination is made different(probability to win the winning symbol combination is set higher in theprobability change mode than in the normal mode).

Next, the base game process done in S3 in the slot machine 1 accordingto the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 18.FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the base game process program in the slotmachine according to the first embodiment.

In the base game process, at first, in S31, scroll of each of thesymbols is done on the variable display portions 21 to 25 based on theswitch signal output from the 1-LINE switch 62, the 2-LINES switch 63,the 5-LINES switch 64, the 20-LINES switch 65 or the 25-LINES switch 66,the switch signal being accepted in S1 of FIG. 15.

And in S32, the scroll of each symbol scrolled on each of the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 is stopped.

Further, in S33, according to the symbol combination corresponding tothe winning symbol combination stopped and displayed on each of thevariable display portions 21 to 25, credits and the like correspondingto the payout determined on the basis of the payout table 51C in theFIG. 12 are paid out.

Thereafter, in S34, renewal process of the winning number of timesdetermined based on that the winning symbol combination is won in S22,the game number (including the base game and the bonus game) accordingto which the game is done by the player by the present time and thepayout number of the credits paid out in the payout process of S33, isconducted. Each value of the winning number of times, the game numberand the payout number is accumulatively calculated by the CPU 50according to continuity of the game and the calculated result is storedin the RAM 52.

Concretely, the credits obtained by the present player from start of thegame are counted and such counted value is stored in the total creditcounter 52B. And the game number according to which the present playerconducts the game from start of the game is counted and such countedvalue is stored in the total game number counter 52D.

Further, in addition to the above, if the slot machine 1 is in theprobability change mode at present, the number of times that the winningsymbol combination is won after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode is counted and such counted value is stored in the winningsymbol combination counter 52A. The credits obtained after the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode are counted and such countedvalue is stored in the credit counter 52C. The game number of the gamesconducted after the game state shifts to the probability change mode iscounted and such counted value is stored in the game number counter 52E.

Thereafter, in S35, it is conducted the probability change mode changingprocess that the present game state in the slot machine 1 is changedbetween the probability change mode and the normal mode (the game state(including the base game and the bonus game) other than the probabilitychange mode). Here, the probability change mode changing process will beexplained later. And after the process in S35 is done, procedure returnsto the main process program and shifts to the determination process inS4.

Next, the bonus game process executed in S5 in the slot machine 1according to the first embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the bonus game process conducted inthe slot machine of the first embodiment.

In the bonus game process, at first, the game number N of the bonus gameis set in S41. The bonus game number is selected among 10˜25 games basedon the random number sampled through the random number sampling circuit56. The bonus game number N set is stored in the RAM 52.

Next, the symbol determination process in the bonus game is done in S41.Here, in the bonus game, the symbols stopped and displayed on the firstpay line L1 are determined every each of the variable display portions21 to 25. Concretely, as mentioned, five random numbers are sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56 so as to correspond toeach of the variable display portions 21 to 25, and the code Nos. aredetermined according to the symbol lottery table 51A shown in FIG. 10.Further, based on the code Nos. and the first reel strip 101˜the sixthreel strip 106, the symbols each of which is stopped and displayed oneach of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are determined. At thattime, although the symbol stopped and displayed on the variable displayportion 21 is determined by utilizing the first reel strip 101 in thenormal mode, such symbol is determined by utilizing the sixth reel strip106 in the probability change mode instead of the first reel strip 101.

And if the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, thewinning symbol combination and the payout thereof are determined in S43based on the symbols determined in S21 and the payout table 51C in FIG.12. However, in the bonus game, the symbol. “SHARK” is handled as thesymbol “LOBSTER”.

Here, in a case that the slot machine 1 is in the probability changemode, as mentioned, the symbol of the variable display portion 21˜isvariably moved, stopped and displayed by the sixth reel strip 106 (seeFIG. 16) instead of the first reel strip 101. And kinds of the symbolson the first reel strip 101 and the sixth reel strip 106 are differentlyset with each other (the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more includedin the sixth reel strip 106 than in the first reel strip 101), therebythe probability to win the winning symbol combination is made different(probability to win the winning symbol combination is set higher in theprobability change mode than in the normal mode).

Further, in the winning symbol combination determination process of S43,it is determined whether or not the trigger symbol combination to shiftto the bonus game is won (a case that four symbols “SARDINE” are stoppedand displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25 with no relationto the activated pay lines) (S44). And if it is determined that thetrigger symbol combination of the bonus game is won (S44: YES), a repeatnumber n of the bonus game is newly determined by a lottery and suchdetermined repeat number of times n is added to the game number N (S45).Thereby, if the bonus game is won during the bonus game, remainingrepeat number of the bonus game is increased. Concretely speaking, forexample, in a case that procedure shifts to the bonus game with 20number of times for the first time and the bonus game with 17 number oftimes is won in the twelfth bonus game, the bonus games are conducted in25 times (20 times−12 times+17 times) thereafter. On the other hand, ifit is determined that the trigger symbol combination of the bonus gameis not won (S44: NO), procedure shifts to S46.

In a rotation process of S46, scroll of each of the symbols isautomatically done on the variable display portions 21 to 25.

And in a stop control process of S47, scroll of the symbols scrolled onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 is stopped.

Here, although the symbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the first reel strip101˜the fifth reel strip 105 (see FIG. 4) in the normal mode, the symbolof the variable display portion 21 is variably moved, stopped anddisplayed by utilizing the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 14) if theslot machine 1 is in the probability change mode.

And in a payout process of S48, according to the symbol combinationcorresponding to the winning symbol combination stopped and displayed onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 in S47, credits corresponding tothe payout determined based on the payout table 51C in FIG. 12 (however,the symbol “SHARK” is handled as the symbol “LOBSTER” in the bonusgame).

Thereafter, in S49, renewal process of the winning number of timesdetermined that the winning symbol combination is won in S43, the gamenumber (including the base game and the bonus game) done by the playerby the present time and the payout number of the credits paid out in thepayout process of S48, is conducted. Each value of the winning number oftimes, the game number and the payout number is accumulativelycalculated by the CPU 50 according to continuity of the game and thecalculated result is stored in the RAM 52.

Concretely, the credits obtained by the present player from start of thegame are counted and such counted value is stored in the total creditcounter 52B. And the game number according to which the present playerconducts the game from start of the game is counted and such countedvalue is stored in the total game number counter 52D.

Further, in addition to the above, if the slot machine 1 is in theprobability change mode at present, the number of times that the winningsymbol combination is won after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode is counted and such counted value is stored in the winningsymbol combination counter 52A. The credits obtained after the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode are counted and such countedvalue is stored in the credit counter 52C. The game number of the gamesconducted after the game state shifts to the probability change mode iscounted and such counted value is stored in the game number counter 52E.

Next, in S50, it is conducted the probability change mode changingprocess that the present game state in the slot machine 1 is changedbetween the probability change mode and the normal mode (the game state(including the base game and the bonus game) other than the probabilitychange mode). Here, the probability change mode changing process will beexplained later. Thereafter, procedure shifts to S51.

In S51, the CPU 50 reads out the game number N of the bonus game storedin the RAM 52 and subtracts “1” from the game number value read out.Further, the subtracted game number N is again stored in the RAM 52.

Thereafter, in S52, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game numberof times N of the bonus game reaches to the number of times determinedin S41. Concretely, this determination is done based on whether or notthe game number N stored in the RAM 52 becomes “0”. If the game number Nis not “0”, that is, if it is determined that the execution number oftimes of the bonus game does not reach to the number of times determinedin S41 (S52: NO), procedure returns to S42 and the above procedures arerepeated. On the other hand, if the game number N is “0”, that is, ifthe execution number of times of the bonus game reaches to the number oftimes determined in S41 (S52: YES), the bonus game process program isterminated.

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the first embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S61 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gaming statesof the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of the basegame and the bonus game has two game modes of the probability changemode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base game andthe bonus game) other than the probability change mode. And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S61: NO), it is determined whether or not the winning symbolcombination determined in S22 or S43 becomes the trigger symbolcombination to shift to the probability change mode (S62). In the slotmachine 1 of the first embodiment, as mentioned, the game state shiftsto the probability change mode (1) if three symbols “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time with no relation to the activatedpay lines, (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the activated payline, (3) if the game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all oftwenty-five pay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 foreach of the activated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” aresuccessively stopped and displayed on the activated pay line through thevariable display portions 21 to 25. Therefore, the CPU 50 determineswhether or not the winning symbol combination satisfying one of theabove conditions (1)˜(3) is won.

And in a case that the winning symbol combination is won (S62: YES), thegame state shifts to the probability change mode in S63. If the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode, the reel strip displayingthe symbols on the variable display portions 21 is changed from thefirst reel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and thesymbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed on the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the second reel strip 102 thesixth reel strip 106 from the next game. Here, in the sixth reel strip106, the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG.14, in comparison with the first reel strip 101, thereby the probabilityto win the winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 12 increases.Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to the probability changemode, the player can obtain more payout than that in the normal mode,with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning symbolcombination is not won (S62: NO), the probability change mode changingprocess is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S64). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S61: YES), a termination lottery process of the probabilitychange mode, which is one of the termination conditions of theprobability change mode, is conducted (S65). The termination lotteryprocess of the probability change mode is executed by conducting alottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S66 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S66).In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S66: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S67). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S68). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S66: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in a casethat the symbol combination stopped and displayed through the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25 becomes three symbols “SARDINE” which arestopped and displayed at the same time with no relation to the activatedpay lines in the base game or the bonus game, or in a case that fivesymbols “WILD” are stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, orin a case that the JP is won (S62: YES), the first reel strip 101variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on the variabledisplay portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106 in which morethe symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, till any one ofthe termination conditions is satisfied from the next game, thereby thegame state shifts to the probability change mode in which theprobability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S63). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S64). Thereby, the player can acknowledge duringthe game that the probability change mode is realized, thus expectationfor games can be raised. And in the probability change mode, strategyfor games to increase the bet number and the like can be improved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S68). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Second Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the second embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26. Here, in the explanationmentioned later, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the second embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the secondembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the second embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the second embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in following points. That is, inthe slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the symbols arecontrolled to stop on the variable display portions 21 to 25, fiverandom numbers corresponding to each of the variable display portions 21to 25 are sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56, and based onthe code Nos. determined by the sampled random numbers and the symbollottery table 51A of FIG. 10 and the first reel strip 101˜the fifth reelstrip 105 (in the probability change mode, the second reel strip 102˜thesixth reel strip 106), the stop display symbols are determined (S21,S42), and further the winning symbol combination and the payout thereofare determined on the basis of the stop display symbols and the payouttable 51C of FIG. 12. On the contrary, in the slot machine of the secondembodiment, the winning combination is directly determined based on therandom number.

And in the slot machine 1 during the probability change mode, thesymbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed on the variabledisplay portion 21 by changing the first reel strip 101 to the sixthreel strip 106, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination increases. On the contrary, in the slot machine of thesecond embodiment, the table used when the winning symbol combination isdetermined on the basis of the random number is changed instead of thereel strip. Therefore, in the slot machine of the second embodiment, inorder to increase the probability to win the winning symbol combination,it is not required to change the reel symbols. Therefore, the secondembodiment can be adopted to not only the slot machine using vide reelsexplained hereinafter but also the slot machine using mechanical reels.

First, in the slot machine of the second embodiment, the lottery processexecuted in S2 of the main process program will be described withreference to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a lottery processprogram executed in the slot machine of the second embodiment. Here,programs shown by flowcharts in FIGS. 23 and 24 are stored in the ROM 51and RAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the second embodiment and areexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the lottery process, at first, a lottery process of the winningsymbol combination is conducted. Here, it is done by the CPU 50 thelottery of the winning symbol combination controlled to stop on thevariable display portions 21 to 25 in the base game by utilizing thewinning symbol combination lottery table 51D and 51E. And after thewinning symbol combination is determined, procedure returns to the mainprocess program in FIG. 15 and shifts to the base game process in S3.Further, in the base game process, the symbols are controlled to stopbased on the winning symbol combination determined by the lottery.

Hereinafter, the winning symbol combination lottery table 51D and 51E,which are utilized in the winning symbol combination lottery process inS71, will be described.

In the slot machine of the second embodiment, the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51D which is utilized in the lottery of thewinning symbol combination in the normal mode (game state other than theprobability change mode) and the winning symbol combination lotterytable 51E which is utilized in the lottery of the winning symbolcombination in the probability change mode, are stored in the ROM 51. Inthe normal mode, the winning symbol combination is determined based onthe winning symbol combination lottery table 51 d for the normal mode,and in the probability change mode, the winning symbol combination isdetermined based on the winning symbol combination lottery table 51E forthe probability change mode.

At first, with reference to FIG. 25, the winning symbol combinationlottery table 51D for the normal mode utilized in the normal mode willbe described. FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing the winning symbolcombination lottery table for the normal mode in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 25, random numbers utilized in the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51D lie in the range of 0˜11999. If the randomnumber value sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56 lies inthe range of 0˜49, the trigger of the bonus game is won. In this case,more than four symbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed at the sametime with no relation to the activated pay lines and the game stateshifts to the bonus game. And if the random number value sampled by therandom number sampling circuit 56 lies in the range of 50˜51, thewinning symbol combination of “LOBSTER” is won. And more than fivesymbols “LOBSTER” are stopped and displayed on the activated pay line.And if the random number value lies sampled by the random numbersampling circuit 56 lies in the range of 52˜57, the winning symbolcombination of “SHARK” is won. In this case, five symbols “SHARK” arestopped and displayed on the activated pay line. Similarly to the above,if the random number value lies in the range of 58˜97, the winningsymbol combination of “FISH” is won. If the random number value lies inthe range of 98˜177, the winning symbol combination of “PUNK” is won. Ifthe random number value lies in the range of 178˜277, the winning symbolcombination of “OCTOPUS” is won. If the random number value lies in therange of 278˜477, the winning symbol combination of “CRAB” is won. Ifthe random number value lies in the range of 478˜777, the winning symbolcombination of “WORM” is won. If the random number value lies in therange of 778˜1177, the winning symbol combination of “A” is won. If therandom number value lies in the range of 1178˜1577, the winning symbolcombination of “K” is won. If the random number value lies in the rangeof 1578˜1977, the winning symbol combination of “Q” is won. If therandom number value lies in the range of 1978˜2377, the winning symbolcombination of “J” is won. If the random number value lies in the rangeof 2378˜2577, the winning symbol combination of “SARDINE” is won. Inthis case, three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number value lies inthe range of 2578˜2677, the winning symbol combination of “WILD” is won.In this case, five symbols “WILD” are stopped and displayed on theactivated pay line.

On the other hand, if the random number value lies in the range of2678˜11999, the winning symbol combination is lost. In this case, thesymbol combination other than the winning symbol combination is stoppedand displayed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the winning symbol combination lotterytable 51E for the probability change mode utilized in the probabilitychange mode will be described. FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showingthe winning symbol combination lottery table for the probability changemode in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26, random numbers utilized in the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51E lie in the range of 0˜11999, similar tothe winning symbol combination lottery table 51D for the normal mode. Ifthe random number value sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56lies in the range of 0˜74, the trigger of the bonus game is won. In thiscase, more than four symbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed at thesame time with no relation to the activated pay lines and the game stateshifts to the bonus game. And if the random number value sampled by therandom number sampling circuit 56 lies in the range of 75˜77, thewinning symbol combination of “LOBSTER” is won. And more than fivesymbols “LOBSTER” are stopped and displayed on the activated pay line.And if the random number value lies sampled by the random numbersampling circuit 56 lies in the range of 78˜86, the winning symbolcombination of “SHARK” is won. In this case, five symbols “SHARK” arestopped and displayed on the activated pay line. Similarly to the above,if the random number value lies in the range of 87˜146, the winningsymbol combination of “FISH” is won. If the random number value lies inthe range of 147˜266, the winning symbol combination of “PUNK” is won.If the random number value lies in the range of 267˜416, the winningsymbol combination of “OCTOPUS” is won. If the random number value liesin the range of 417˜716, the winning symbol combination of “CRAB” iswon. If the random number value lies in the range of 717˜1016, thewinning symbol combination of “WORM” is won. If the random number valuelies in the range of 1017˜1616, the winning symbol combination of “A” iswon. If the random number value lies in the range of 1617˜2216, thewinning symbol combination of “K” is won. If the random number valuelies in the range of 2217˜2816, the winning symbol combination of “Q” iswon. If the random number value lies in the range of 2817˜3416, thewinning symbol combination of “J” is won. If the random number valuelies in the range of 3417˜3616, the winning symbol combination of“SARDINE” is won. In this case, three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed with no relation to the activated pay lines.

On the other hand, if the random number value lies in the range of3617˜11999, the winning symbol combination is lost. In this case, thesymbol combination other than the winning symbol combination is stoppedand displayed.

Here, for example, the probability that the bonus trigger is won andmore than four symbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed at the sametime is 50/12000 in the normal mode and 75/12000 in the probabilitychange mode. And the probability that the symbol combination of“LOBSTER” is won and more than five symbols “LOBSTER” are stopped anddisplayed on the activated pay line is 2/12000 in the normal mode and3/12000 in the probability change mode. Similarly to the above, in theother winning symbol combinations, the probability to win the winningsymbol combination is made higher in the probability change mode than inthe normal mode. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the player can obtain more higher payout withthe same bet number than in the normal mode (payout rate increases).

Next, the bonus game process done in S5 in the slot machine of thesecond embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 24. FIG. 24is a flowchart of the bonus game process in the slot machine of thesecond embodiment.

In the bonus game process, at first, the game number N of the bonus gameis set in S81. The game number of the bonus game is selected by thelottery among 10˜25 games, based on a random number value sampledthrough the random number sampling circuit 56. The game number N of thebonus game is stored in the RAM 52.

Next, in S82 it is conducted the winning symbol combination lotteryprocess in the bonus game. Here, in the bonus game, a lottery of thewinning symbol combination controlled to stop on the variable displayportions 21 to 25 is executed by utilizing the winning symbolcombination lottery table through the CPU 50. Concretely, as mentioned,the random number is sampled by the random number sampling circuit 56and the lottery of the winning symbol combination is done in the normalmode based on the winning symbol combination lottery table 51D for thenormal mode. And the lottery of the winning symbol combination is donein the probability change mode based on the winning symbol combinationlottery table 51E for the probability change mode.

Further, in the winning symbol combination lottery process of S82, it isdetermined whether or not the trigger symbol combination to shift to thebonus game is won (S83). And if it is determined that the trigger symbolcombination for the bonus game is won (S83: YES), the repeat number oftimes n of the bonus game is newly determined by the lottery (S84).Thereby, if the bonus game is won during the bonus game, remainingrepeat number of the bonus game is increased. Concretely speaking, forexample, in a case that procedure shifts to the bonus game with 20number of times for the first time and the bonus game with 17 number oftimes is won in the twelfth bonus game, the bonus games are conducted in25 times (20 times−12 times+17 times) thereafter. On the other hand, ifit is determined that the trigger symbol combination of the bonus gameis not won (S83: NO), procedure shifts to S86.

And in the rotation process in S85, scroll of the symbols areautomatically conducted on the variable display portions 21 to 25.

Further, in the stop control process in S86, scroll of the symbolsscrolling on the variable display portions 21 to 25 is stopped based onthe lottery result of the winning symbol combination in S82.

And in the payout process in S87, credits corresponding to the payoutdetermined based on the payout table 51C in FIG. 12 (however, the symbol“SHARK” is handled as the symbol “LOBSTER” in the bonus game) are paidout.

Thereafter, in S88, renewal process of the winning number of times ofthe winning symbol combination determined on the basis of the lotteryresult in S82, the game number (including the base game and the bonusgame) done by the player by the present time and the payout number ofthe credits paid out in the payout process of S87, is conducted. Eachvalue of the winning number of times, the game number and the payoutnumber is accumulatively calculated by the CPU 50 according tocontinuity of the game and the calculated result is stored in the RAM52.

Concretely, the credits obtained by the present player from start of thegame are counted and such counted value is stored in the total creditcounter 52B. And the game number according to which the present playerconducts the game from start of the game is counted and such countedvalue is stored in the total game number counter 52D.

Further, in addition to the above, if the slot machine 1 is in theprobability change mode at present, the number of times that the winningsymbol combination is won after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode is counted and such counted value is stored in the winningsymbol combination counter 52A. The credits obtained after the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode are counted and such countedvalue is stored in the credit counter 52C. The game number of the gamesconducted after the game state shifts to the probability change mode iscounted and such counted value is stored in the game number counter 52E.

Next, in S89, it is conducted the probability change mode changingprocess (S50, see FIG. 20) that the present game state in the slotmachine 1 is changed between the probability change mode and the normalmode (the game state (including the base game and the bonus game) otherthan the probability change mode). Thereafter, procedure shifts to S90.

In S90, the CPU 50 reads out the game number N of the bonus game storedin the RAM 52 and subtracts “1” from the game number value read out.Further, the subtracted game number N is again stored in the RAM 52.

Thereafter, in S91, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game numberof times N of the bonus game reaches to the number of times determinedin S81. Concretely, this determination is done based on whether or notthe game number N stored in the RAM 52 becomes “0”. If the game number Nis not “0”, that is, if it is determined that the execution number oftimes of the bonus game does not reach to the number of times determinedin S81 (S91: NO), procedure returns to S82 and the above procedures arerepeated. On the other hand, if the game number N is “0”, that is, ifthe execution number of times of the bonus game reaches to the number oftimes determined in S81 (S91: YES), the bonus game process program isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 of the secondembodiment, in a case that the symbol combination stopped and displayedthrough the variable display portions 21 to 25 becomes three symbols“SARDINE” which are stopped and displayed at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines in the base game or the bonus game,or in a case that five symbols “WILD” are stopped and displayed on theactivated pay line, or in a case that the JP is won (S62: YES), thewinning symbol combination lottery table utilized for lottery of thewinning symbol combination in the winning symbol combination lotteryprocess is changed from the winning symbol combination lottery table 51Dfor the normal mode to the winning symbol combination lottery table 51Efor the probability change mode, till any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied from the next game, thereby the game stateshifts to the probability change mode in which the probability to winthe winning symbol combination increases in comparison with the normalmode (S63). Therefore, different from a case that the game state shiftsto the bonus game, the game state can be variously changed at the timingthat the player cannot predict during the game and a wave in the payoutof the game media can be produced. Thus, the game state of the slotmachine 1 can be variegated and the player never loses interest forgames.

Third Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the third embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 27 to 29. Here, in explanationmentioned hereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of thefirst embodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the first embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the thirdembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the third embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the third embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in following points. That is, inthe slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, thirteen kinds of conditionsare set as the termination condition of the probability change mode andwhen any one of such conditions is satisfied, the probability changemode at present is terminated. On the contrary, in the slot machine ofthe third embodiment, one condition is selected among thirteentermination conditions and the probability change mode is terminated byutilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.27. FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the third embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 27 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the third embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S101 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of the base gameand the bonus game has two game modes of the probability change mode andthe normal mode (the game state (including the base game and the bonusgame) other than the probability change mode. And if a predeterminedcondition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine is not in the probability change mode at present(S101: NO), it is determined whether or not the winning symbolcombination determined in S22 or S43 becomes the trigger symbolcombination to shift to the probability change mode (S101). In the slotmachine of the third embodiment, as mentioned, the game state shifts tothe probability change mode (1) if three symbols “SARDINE” are stoppedand displayed at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines, (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the activated pay line,(3) if the game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all oftwenty-five pay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 foreach of the activated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” aresuccessively stopped and displayed on the activated pay line through thevariable display portions 21 to 25. Therefore, it is determined whetheror not the winning symbol combination satisfying one of the aboveconditions (1)˜(3) is won.

And in a case that the winning symbol combination is won (S102: YES),the game state shifts to the probability change mode in S103. If thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the reel stripdisplaying the symbols on the variable display portions 21 is changedfrom the first reel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13),and the symbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed on thevariable display portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the second reel strip102 the sixth reel strip 106 from the next game. Here, in the sixth reelstrip 106, the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more included as shown inFIG. 14, in comparison with the first reel strip 101, thereby theprobability to win the winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 12increases. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the player can obtain more payout than that inthe normal mode, with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning symbolcombination is not won (S102: NO), the probability change mode changingprocess is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S104). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S105, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the third embodiment, there are set beforehand 13 kinds ofthe termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the third embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line. If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S106). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystal display4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S105. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S101: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S107). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S108 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S105 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S108). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S108: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S109). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101 thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S110). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S108: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to the thirdembodiment, in a case that the symbol combination stopped and displayedthrough the variable display portions 21 to 25 becomes three symbols“SARDINE” which are stopped and displayed at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines in the base game or the bonus game,or in a case that five symbols “WILD” are stopped and displayed on theactivated pay line, or in a case that the JP is won (S102: YES), thefirst reel strip 101 variably moving, stopping and displaying thesymbols on the variable display portion 21 is changed to the sixth reelstrip in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” areincluded, till the termination condition determined by the lottery(S105) is satisfied from the next game, thereby the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in which the probability to win the winningsymbol combination increases in comparison with the normal mode (S103).Therefore, the game state can be variously changed at the timing thatthe player cannot predict during the game and a wave in the payout ofthe game media can be produced. Thus, the game state of the slot machine1 can be variegated and the player never loses interest for games.Further, since the termination condition to terminate the probabilitychange mode is changed according to the lottery which is conducted everytime the game state shifts to the probability change mode (S105), a gamepattern is increased and game characteristic is improved. And since thetermination condition is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S106), the player conducting the game can acknowledge that theprobability change mode is terminated and intention of the player isincreased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the fourth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31. Here, in the explanationmentioned later, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the fourth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the fourthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the fourth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the fourth embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in the following point. That is,in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a predeterminedcondition (one of the conditions that three of the symbol “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time, five of the symbol “WILD” arestopped on the pay line and the JP is won, with no relation to the paylines) is realized, the game state shifts to the probability change modein which the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal mode. On the contrary, in the slotmachine of the fourth embodiment, in a case that any of the winningsymbol combinations is won in 30 times, or the number of coins obtainedby the player from start of the game exceeds 1000 coins or 5000 coins(credits of the player exceed 1000 credits or 5000 credits) or thenumber of games conducted by the player exceeds 100 games or 300 games,the game state shifts to the probability change mode in which theprobability that the winning symbol combination is stopped so as toalign on the pay line increases.

In order to realize the above, in the RAM 52 of the slot machineaccording to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the winning symbolcombination counter 52A, the total credit counter 52B, the creditcounter 52C for counting credits obtained after the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in a case of the probability change mode,the total game number counter 52D, the game number counter 52E, the JPsum storing area 52F, the bet credit counter 52G, each being as same asthose shown in FIG. 9, a total winning number of times counter 52H isprovided. This total winning number of times counter 52H counts thenumber of times according to which the winning symbol combinations arewon after the game is started.

And in the slot machine 1 according to the fourth embodiment, if apredetermined condition is realized during the base game and the bonusgame, the game state shifts to the probability change mode. Here, theprobability change mode means a special game mode which is realized ifany of the winning symbol combination is won in 30 times, if the numberof coins obtained by the player from start of the game exceeds 1000coins or 5000 coins (credits of the player exceed 1000 credits or 5000credits) or if the number of games conducted by the player exceeds 100games or 300 games.

If one of the above conditions is satisfied, the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in which the probability to win the winningcombination (see FIG. 12) becomes higher than the normal game state tilla predetermined termination condition is satisfied from the next game(here, one game means a time till variable display of the symbols isstarted on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafterthe symbols are stopped and displayed thereon). And it is determinedwhether or not such condition is satisfied, based on that apredetermined number (winning number of times of the winning symbolcombination, credit number obtained, game number conducted) concerningwith game conducted from a time that the player conducting games withthe slot machine at present starts to play games. Here, each of countvalues is accumulatively counted in the RAM 52 and it is stored in thetotal credit counter 52B the credits obtained by the present playersince the game is started. And it is stored in the total game numbercounter 52D the game number conducted by the present player since thegame is started. Further, it is stored in the total winning numbercounter 52H the winning number of times that the present player wins thewinning symbol combination since the game is started. And the CPU 50determines that the count value stored in the RAM 52 reaches to apredetermined value, thereby the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode in which the probability to win the winning combination (seeFIG. 12) becomes higher than the normal game state till a predeterminedtermination condition is satisfied from the next game (here, one gamemeans a time till variable display of the symbols is started on each ofthe variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafter the symbols arestopped and displayed thereon).

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 31. FIG. 31 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the fourth embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S161 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is inthe probability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gamingstates of the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of thebase game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S161: NO), each of count values in the total credit counter 52B, thetotal game number counter 52D and the total winning number counter 52Hof the RAM 52 is obtained (S162).

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the obtained countvalue is a predetermined value (S163). Here, in the slot machine of thefourth embodiment, the game state shifts to the probability change modeif any of the winning symbol combination is won in 30 times, if thenumber of coins obtained by the player from start of the game exceeds1000 coins or 5000 coins (credits of the player exceed 1000 credits or5000 credits) or if the number of games conducted by the player exceeds100 games or 300 games.

Therefore, the CPU 50 determines whether the count value of the totalwinning number counter 52H is 30 or not, the count value of the totalcredit counter 52B is 1000 or 5000 and the count value of the total gamenumber counter 52D is 100 or 300.

And if it is determined that the obtained count value is thepredetermined value mentioned above (S163: YES), the game state shiftsto the probability change mode in S164. After the game state shifts tothe probability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols onthe variable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols arevariably moved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions21 to 25 by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106from the next game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD”and “SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison withthe first reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winningsymbol combination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on thatthe game state shifts to the probability change mode, the player canobtain more payout than that in the normal mode, with the same betnumber (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the obtained count value isnot the predetermined value mentioned above (S163: NO), the probabilitychange mode changing process is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S165). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S161: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S166). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0” “9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S167 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S167).In the slot machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S167: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S168). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged form the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S169). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S167: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the fourth embodiment, during thebase game or the bonus game, in a case that any of the winning symbolcombination is won in 30 times, or in a case that the number of coinsobtained by the player from start of the game exceeds 1000 coins or 5000coins or in a case that the number of games conducted by the playerexceeds 100 games or 300 games (S163: YES), the first reel strip 101variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on the variabledisplay portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106 in which morethe symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, till any one ofthe termination conditions is satisfied from the next game, thereby thegame state shifts to the probability change mode in which theprobability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S164). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S165). Thereby, the player can acknowledgeduring the game that the probability change mode is realized, thusexpectation for games can be raised. And in the probability change mode,strategy for games to increase the bet number and the like can beimproved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S169). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the fifth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 32. Here, in explanation mentionedhereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the fourthembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 30 and 31 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the fourth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the fifthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefourth embodiment. And various control processes in the fifth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the fourthembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the fifth embodiment is different from theslot machine in the fourth embodiment in following points. That is, inthe slot machine of the fourth embodiment, thirteen kinds of conditionsare set as the termination condition of the probability change mode andwhen any one of such conditions is satisfied, the probability changemode at present is terminated. On the contrary, in the slot machine ofthe fifth embodiment, one condition is selected among thirteentermination conditions and the probability change mode is terminated byutilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.32. FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the fifth embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 32 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the fifth embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S201 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game as mentioned, and in addition, each ofthe base game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine is not in the probability change mode at present(S201: NO), each of count values in the total credit counter 52B, thetotal game number counter 52D and the total winning number counter 52Hof the RAM 52 is obtained (S202).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the obtained count value isthe predetermined value (S203). Here, in the slot machine of the fifthembodiment, the game state shifts to the probability change mode if anyof the winning symbol combination is won in 30 times, if the number ofcoins obtained by the player from start of the game exceeds 1000 coinsor 5000 coins or if the number of games conducted by the player exceeds100 games or 300 games.

Therefore, the CPU 50 determines whether the count value of the totalwinning number counter 52H is 30 or not, the count value of the totalcredit counter 52B is 1000 or 5000 and the count value of the total gamenumber counter 52D is 100 or 300.

And if it is determined that the obtained count value is thepredetermined value mentioned in the above (S203: YES), the game stateshifts to the probability change mode in S204. If the game state shiftsto the probability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols onthe variable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols arevariably moved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions21 to 25 by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106from the next game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD”and “SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison withthe first reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winningsymbol combination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on thatthe game state shifts to the probability change mode, the player canobtain more payout than that in the normal mode, with the same betnumber (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the obtained count value isnot the predetermined value mentioned in the above (S203: NO), theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S205). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S206, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the third embodiment, there are set beforehand 13 kinds ofthe termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the fifth embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line, If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S207). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystal display4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S106. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S201: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S208). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S209 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S105 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S209). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S209: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S210). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S211). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S209: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to the fifthembodiment, during the base game or the bonus game, in a case that thesymbol combination stopped and displayed through the variable displayportions 21 to 25 is won in 30 times since the player starts to play thegame, or in a case that the number of coins obtained by the player fromstart of the game exceeds 1000 coins or 5000 coins or in a case that thenumber of games conducted by the player exceeds 100 games or 300 games(S203: YES), the first reel strip 101 variably moving, stopping anddisplaying the symbols on the variable display portion 21 is changed tothe sixth reel strip in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol“SARDINE” are included, till the termination condition determined by thelottery (S205) is satisfied from the next game, thereby the game stateshifts to the probability change mode in which the probability to winthe winning symbol combination increases in comparison with the normalmode (S204). Therefore, the game state can be variously changed at thetiming that the player cannot predict during the game and a wave in thepayout of the game media can be produced. Thus, the game state of theslot machine 1 can be variegated and the player never loses interest forgames. Further, since the termination condition to terminate theprobability change mode is changed according to the lottery which isconducted every time the game state shifts to the probability changemode (S205), a game pattern is increased and game characteristic isimproved. And since the termination condition is displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 (S206), the player conducting the game canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated and intentionof the player is increased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34. Here, in the explanationmentioned later, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the sixth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the sixthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the sixth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the sixth embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in the following point. That is,in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a predeterminedcondition (one of the conditions that three of the symbol “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time, five of the symbol “WILD” arestopped on the pay line and the JP is won, with no relation to the paylines) is realized, the game state shifts to the probability change modein which the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal mode. On the contrary, in the slotmachine of the sixth embodiment, in a case that the time becomes a timeto open the game arcade (9:00 PM in the sixth embodiment), 12 o'clockand 21 o'clock, the game state shifts to the probability change mode inwhich the probability that the winning symbol combination is stopped soas align on the pay line increases. Here, each of times mentioned iscounted by the timer 87 (see FIG. 6) which can count the time since thegame arcade is opened.

And in the slot machine 1 according to the sixth embodiment, if apredetermined condition is realized during the base game and the bonusgame, the game state shifts to the probability change mode. Here, theprobability change mode means a special game mode which is realized ifthe time becomes the opening time of the game arcade (in the sixthembodiment, 9:00 AM) or if the time becomes 12 o'clock or if the timebecomes 21 o'clock. And it is determined whether or not such conditionsare realized based on the time count information from the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. Here, the timer 87 is a device counting thetime from the opening of the game arcade and the CPU 50 determines thatthe time transmitted from the timer 87 becomes the opening time (9o'clock), 12 o'clock (three hours elapse) and 21 o'clock (twelve hourselapse), thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode inwhich the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal game state till a predeterminedtermination condition is satisfied from the next game (here, one gamemeans a time till variable display of the symbols is started on each ofthe variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafter the symbols arestopped and displayed thereon).

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 33. FIG. 33 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the sixth embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S361 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is inthe probability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gamingstates of the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of thebase game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode. And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S361: NO), the CPU 50 obtains the time counted by the timer 87.

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the counted time is apredetermined time (S363). Here, in the slot machine of the sixthembodiment, the game state shifts to the probability change mode whenthe counted time becomes the opening time of the game arcade, thepresent time becomes 12 o'clock or 21 o'clock.

Therefore, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the time counted by thetimer 87 from the opening of the game arcade becomes the opening timeright after the game arcade is opened (9 o'clock), three hours elapsefrom start of counting of the time (12 o'clock) and twelve hours elapsefrom start of counting of the time (21 o'clock).

And if it is determined that the time becomes the predetermined timebased on the counted time (S363: YES), the game state shifts to theprobability change mode in S364. If the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols on thevariable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 tothe sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variablymoved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from thenext game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and“SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with thefirst reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the player can obtainmore payout than that in the normal mode, with the same bet number(payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning symbolcombination is not won (S363: NO), the probability change mode changingprocess is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S365). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S361: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S366). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S367 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S367).In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S367: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S368). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S369). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S367: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, during thebase game or the bonus game, in a case that the present time becomes anyone of 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock and 21 o'clock (S363: YES), the first reelstrip 101 variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on thevariable display portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106 inwhich more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, tillany one of the termination conditions is satisfied from the next game,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in whichthe probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S364). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games. And by changing the game state tothe probability change mode at 9 o'clock AM right after the game arcadeis opened, less players coming to the game arcade, there occursdifference from the other game arcade, thereby such game arcade cancollect many customers.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S365). Thereby, the player can acknowledgeduring the game that the probability change mode is realized, thusexpectation for games can be raised. And in the probability change mode,strategy for games to increase the bet number and the like can beimproved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S369). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Seventh Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the seventh embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 34. Here, in explanation mentionedhereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the sixthembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 33 indicate the constructiveelements which are same as those or correspond to those in the slotmachine 1 of the sixth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the seventhembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thesixth embodiment. And various control processes in the seventhembodiment are substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 ofthe sixth embodiment.

However, the slot machine in the seventh embodiment is different fromthe slot machine in the sixth embodiment in following points. That is,in the slot machine of the sixth embodiment, thirteen kinds ofconditions are set as the termination condition of the probabilitychange mode and when any one of such conditions is satisfied, theprobability change mode at present is terminated. On the contrary, inthe slot machine of the seventh embodiment, one condition is selectedamong thirteen termination conditions and the probability change mode isterminated by utilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 34. FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the seventh embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 34 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the seventh embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S401 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game as mentioned, and in addition, each ofthe base game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

And if it is determined that the present time is not the probabilitychange mode (S401: NO), the CPU 50 obtains the time counted by the timer87 (S402).

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the obtained time isthe predetermined time (S403). In the slot machine of the seventhembodiment, the game state shifts to the probability change mode whenthe time becomes the opening time right after the game arcade is opened,the present time becomes 12 o'clock or 21 o'clock. The CPU 50 determineswhether or not the time counted by the timer 87 from the opening of thegame arcade becomes the opening time right after the game arcade isopened (9 o'clock), three hours elapse from start of counting of thetime (12 o'clock) and twelve hours elapse from start of counting of thetime (21 o'clock).

And if it is determined that the counter time is the predetermined time(S403: YES), the game state shifts to the probability change mode inS404. If the game state shifts to the probability change mode, the reelstrip displaying the symbols on the variable display portions 21 ischanged from the first reel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (seeFIG. 13), and the symbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed onthe variable display portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the second reelstrip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from the next game. Here, in thesixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more includedas shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with the first reel strip 101,thereby the probability to win the winning symbol combination shown inFIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the player can obtain more payout than that inthe normal mode, with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the obtained count value isnot the predetermined value mentioned in the above (S403: NO), theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S405). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S406, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the seventh embodiment, there are set beforehand 13 kindsof the termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the seventh embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line. If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S407). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystal display4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S406. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S401: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S408). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S409 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S406 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S409). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S409: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S410). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S411). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S409: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to theseventh embodiment, during the base game or the bonus game, in a casethat the present time becomes any one of 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock and 21o'clock (S403: YES), the first reel strip 101 variably moving, stoppingand displaying the symbols on the variable display portion 21 is changedto the sixth reel strip in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol“SARDINE” are included, till the termination condition determined by thelottery (S405) is satisfied from the next game, thereby the game stateshifts to the probability change mode in which the probability to winthe winning symbol combination increases in comparison with the normalmode (S404). Therefore, the game state can be variously changed at thetiming that the player cannot predict during the game and a wave in thepayout of the game media can be produced. Thus, the game state of theslot machine 1 can be variegated and the player never loses interest forgames. And by changing the game state to the probability change mode at9 o'clock AM right after the game arcade is opened, less players comingto the game arcade, there occurs difference from the other game arcade,thereby such game arcade can collect many customers.

Further, since the termination condition to terminate the probabilitychange mode is changed according to the lottery which is conducted everytime the game state shifts to the probability change mode (S405), a gamepattern is increased and game characteristic is improved. And since thetermination condition is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S406), the player conducting the game can acknowledge that theprobability change mode is terminated and intention of the player isincreased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Eight Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the eighth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 35 to 38. Here, in the explanationmentioned later, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the eighth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the eighthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the eighth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the eighth embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in the following point. That is,in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a predeterminedcondition (one of the conditions that three of the symbol “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time, five of the symbol “WILD” arestopped on the pay line and the JP is won, with no relation to the paylines) is realized, the game state shifts to the probability change modein which the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal mode. On the contrary, in the slotmachine of the eighth embodiment, after one game (here, one game means atime till variable display of the symbols is started on each of thevariable display portions 21 to 25, thereafter the symbols are stoppedand displayed thereon) is terminated, it is conducted a lottery whetheror not the game state shifts to the probability change mode in which theprobability that the winning symbol combination is stopped so as alignon the pay line increases from the next game. As the lottery result, ifit is determined that the game state shifts to the probability changemode, the game state becomes the probability change mode in the gametill any of the termination conditions is satisfied from the next game.

In order to realize the above, as shown in FIG. 35, in the ROM 51 of theslot machine according to the eighth embodiment, a probability changemode shift lottery table 51D is provided, in addition to variousprograms, the symbol lottery table 51A for determining symbols stoppedand displayed in each of the stop symbol areas 211˜213, 221˜223,231˜233, 241˜243, 251˜253 (see FIG. 2) of the variable display portions21 to 25 based on random numbers, the lottery table 51B to determinewhether or not the probability change mode is terminated every one gameis finished if the game state is in the probability change mode and thepayout table 51C in which the winning symbol combinations stopped anddisplayed on each of the stop display areas and payouts thereof arestored. Here, the probability change mode shift lottery table 51D isutilized for conducting a lottery to determine whether or not theprobability change mode is to be started in case that the game state isnot the probability change mode.

And in the slot machine of the eighth embodiment, during the base gameand the bonus game, the game state shifts to the probability change modeif a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the probability changemode is a special game mode which is determined to be shifted or not,based on a lottery result obtained by a lottery conducted on the basisof a random number sampled through the random number sampling circuit 56every one game is terminated. Here, the lottery is executed by utilizingthe probability change mode shift lottery table 51D stored in the ROM51. FIG. 36 is an explanatory view showing the probability change modeshift lottery table.

As shown in FIG. 36, the probability change mode shift lottery table 51Dis a lottery table by which a lottery is executed based on the randomnumbers “0”˜“9” sampled through the random number sampling circuit 56every one game is terminated in the normal mode. And it is determined bythe CPU 50 whether the game state is not shifted to the probabilitychange mode based on the obtained random number, thereby the game iscontinues in the normal mode or the game state is shifted to theprobability change mode.

Concretely, if the random number lies in the range of “0”˜“8”, the gamestate does not shift to the probability change mode and the game iscontinued in the normal mode. On the other hand, if the random number is“9”, the game state shifts to the probability change mode after thepresent game is terminated. And if the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the probability to win the winning symbolcombination (see FIG. 13) becomes higher than in the normal mode till apredetermined termination condition is satisfied from the next game(here, one game means a time till variable display of the symbols isstarted on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafterthe symbols are stopped and displayed thereon).

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 37. FIG. 37 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the eighth embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S561 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is inthe probability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gamingstates of the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of thebase game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode. And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S561: NO), it is conducted the probability change mode shift lotteryprocess in which it is determined whether or not the game state shiftsto the probability change mode (S562). In the probability change modeshift process, the lottery is conducted based on the random numbersampled through the random number sampling circuit 56 by utilizing theprobability change mode shift lottery table 51D (see FIG. 36).

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game state sishifted to the probability change mode based on the lottery resultobtained in S562 (S563). Concretely, if the random number sampled is“9”, the game sate shifts to the probability change mode and if therandom number sampled lies in the range of “0”˜“8”, the game state doesnot shift to the probability change mode and the game is continued inthe normal mode (see FIG. 36).

And in a case that it is determined that the game state is shifted tothe probability change mode (S563: YES), the game state shifts to theprobability change mode in S564. If the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols on thevariable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 tothe sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variablymoved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from thenext game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and“SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with thefirst reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the player can obtainmore payout than that in the normal mode, with the same bet number(payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the winning symbolcombination is not won (S363: NO), the probability change mode changingprocess is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S365). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S561: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S566). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S567 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S567).In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9) (10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S567: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S568). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S569). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S567: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the eighth embodiment, during thebase game or the bonus game, it is conducted the lottery to determinewhether or not the game state shifts to the probability change mode(S562) and as the lottery result, it is determined that the game stateis shifted to the probability change mode (S563: YES), the first reelstrip 101 variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on thevariable display portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106 inwhich more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, tillany one of the termination conditions is satisfied from the next game,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in whichthe probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S564). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S565). Thereby, the player can acknowledgeduring the game that the probability change mode is realized, thusexpectation for games can be raised. And in the probability change mode,strategy for games to increase the bet number and the like can beimproved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S569). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Ninth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the ninth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 38. Here, in explanation mentionedhereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the eighthembodiment described on the basis of FIGS. 35 to 37 indicate theconstructive elements which are same as those or correspond to those inthe slot machine 1 of the eighth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the ninthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in theeighth embodiment. And various control processes in the ninth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the eighthembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the ninth embodiment is different from theslot machine in the eighth embodiment in following points. That is, inthe slot machine of the eighth embodiment, thirteen kinds of conditionsare set as the termination condition of the probability change mode andwhen any one of such conditions is satisfied, the probability changemode at present is terminated. On the contrary, in the slot machine ofthe ninth embodiment, one condition is selected among thirteentermination conditions and the probability change mode is terminated byutilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.38. FIG. 38 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the ninth embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 38 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the ninth embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S601 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game as mentioned, and in addition, each ofthe base game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

And if it is determined that the slot machine is not in the probabilitychange mode at present (S601: NO), it is executed the probability changemode shift lottery process in which it is determined whether or not thegame state is to be shifted to the probability change mode (S602). Inthe probability change mode shift lottery, the lottery is executed basedon the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through the random numbersampling circuit 56 by utilizing the probability change mode shiftlottery table 51D (see FIG. 35).

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game state is to beshifted to the probability change mode based on the lottery resultobtained in S602 (S603). Concretely, if the random number sampled is“9”, the game state shifts to the probability change mode and if therandom number sampled lies in the range of “0”˜“8”, the game state doesnot shift to the probability change mode and the game is continues inthe normal mode (see FIG. 35).

And if it is determined that the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode (S603: YES), the game state shifts to the probability changemode in S604. If the game state shifts to the probability change mode,the reel strip displaying the symbols on the variable display portions21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106(see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variably moved, stopped and displayedon the variable display portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the second reelstrip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from the next game. Here, in thesixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more includedas shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with the first reel strip 101,thereby the probability to win the winning symbol combination shown inFIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the player can obtain more payout than that inthe normal mode, with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the obtained count value isnot the predetermined value mentioned in the above (S603: NO), theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S605). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S606, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the ninth embodiment, there are set beforehand 13 kinds ofthe termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the ninth embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line. If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S607). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystal display4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S606. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S601: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S608). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S609 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S406 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S609). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S609: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S610). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S611). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S609: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to the ninthembodiment, during the base game or the bonus game, it is executed thelottery to determine whether or not the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (S620) and as the lottery result, if it isdetermined that the game state is to be shifted to the probabilitychange mode (S603: YES), the first reel strip 101 variably moving,stopping and displaying the symbols on the variable display portion 21is changed to the sixth reel strip in which more the symbol “WILD” andthe symbol “SARDINE” are included, till the termination conditiondetermined by the lottery (S605) is satisfied from the next game,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in whichthe probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S604). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games. And by changing the game state tothe probability change mode at 9 o'clock AM right after the game arcadeis opened, less players coming to the game arcade, there occursdifference from the other game arcade, thereby such game arcade cancollect many customers.

Further, since the termination condition to terminate the probabilitychange mode is changed according to the lottery which is conducted everytime the game state shifts to the probability change mode (S605), a gamepattern is increased and game characteristic is improved. And since thetermination condition is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S606), the player conducting the game can acknowledge that theprobability change mode is terminated and intention of the player isincreased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Tenth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the tenth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 39. Here, in the explanation mentionedlater, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the first embodimentdescribed on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate the constructiveelements which are same as those or correspond to those in the slotmachine 1 of the tenth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the tenthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the tenth embodimentare substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 of the firstembodiment.

However, the slot machine in the tenth embodiment is different from theslot machine 1 in the first embodiment in the following point. That is,in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a predeterminedcondition (one of the conditions that three of the symbol “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time, five of the symbol “WILD” arestopped on the pay line and the JP is won, with no relation to the paylines) is realized, the game state shifts to the probability change modein which the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal mode. On the contrary, in the slotmachine of the tenth embodiment, if the payout rate (rate of creditspaid out against the credit number betted by the player) of the slotmachine becomes less than 85%, the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode in which the probability that the winning symbol combinationis stopped so as to align on the pay line increases. Here, the payoutrate is calculated by the CPU 50 based on the count values stored in thetotal credit counter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G of the RAM 52 atpresent.

In order to realize the above, in the slot machine of the tenthembodiment, during the base game and the bonus game, the game stateshifts to the probability change mode if a predetermined condition issatisfied. Here, the probability change mode is a special game modewhich is determined to be shifted or not, in a case that the payout rateof credits paid out against the credit number betted by the player) ofthe slot machine becomes less than 85%. And such condition is calculatedby the CPU 50 based on the count values stored in the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G of the RAM 52 at present.Here, the total credit counter 52B counts the total credits obtained bythe player at present and the bet credit counter 52G counts the totalcredit number betted by the player by the present time.

And the CPU 50 determines that the payout rate becomes less than 85%,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode that theprobability to win the winning symbol combination (see FIG. 12) becomeshigher than in the normal mode till a predetermined terminationcondition is satisfied from the next game (here, one game means a timetill variable display of the symbols is started on each of the variabledisplay portions 21 to 25, thereafter the symbols are stopped anddisplayed thereon).

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 39. FIG. 39 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the tenth embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S761 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is inthe probability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gamingstates of the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of thebase game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode. And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S761: NO), the count values stored in the total credit counter 52B andthe bet credit counter 52G of the RAM 52 are obtained and the payoutrate (rate of credits paid out against the credit number betted by theplayer) at present in the slot machine is calculated (S762). Here,concretely, the payout rate is calculated according to “the count valueof the total credit counter 52B the count value of the bet creditcounter 52G”.

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the payout ratecalculated is a predetermined rate (S763). Here, in the slot machine ofthe tenth embodiment, the game state shifts to the probability changemode when the payout rate of the slot machine becomes less than 85%.

Therefore, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the payout ratecalculated in S762 becomes less than 85%.

And in a case that it is determined that the payout rate obtainedbecomes less than 85% (S763: YES), the game state shifts to theprobability change mode in S764. If the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols on thevariable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 tothe sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variablymoved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25by utilizing the second reel strip 102 the sixth reel strip 106 from thenext game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and“SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with thefirst reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the player can obtainmore payout than that in the normal mode, with the same bet number(payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the payout rate is not lessthan 85% (S763: NO), the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S765). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S761: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S766). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S567 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S767).In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S767: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S768). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged form the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S769). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S767: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the tenth embodiment, during thebase game or the bonus game, in a case that the payout rate of the slotmachine at present becomes less than 85% (S763: YES), the first reelstrip 101 variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols on thevariable display portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106 inwhich more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included, tillany one of the termination conditions is satisfied from the next game,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in whichthe probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S764). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games. And by shifting the game state tothe probability change mode for the player who is a beginner having alower payout rate, the game arcade can get repeaters, thereby such gamearcade can collect many customers.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S765). Thereby, the player can acknowledgeduring the game that the probability change mode is realized, thusexpectation for games can be raised. And in the probability change mode,strategy for games to increase the bet number and the like can beimproved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S769). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Eleventh Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the eleventh embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 40. Here, in explanation mentionedhereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the tenthembodiment described on the basis of FIG. 39 indicate the constructiveelements which are same as those or correspond to those in the slotmachine 1 of the tenth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the eleventhembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thetenth embodiment. And various control processes in the eleventhembodiment are substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 ofthe tenth embodiment.

However, the slot machine in the eleventh embodiment is different fromthe slot machine in the tenth embodiment in following points. That is,in the slot machine of the tenth embodiment, thirteen kinds ofconditions are set as the termination condition of the probabilitychange mode and when any one of such conditions is satisfied, theprobability change mode at present is terminated. On the contrary, inthe slot machine of the eleventh embodiment, one condition is selectedamong thirteen termination conditions and the probability change mode isterminated by utilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the eleventh embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 40. FIG. 40 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the eleventh embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 40 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the eleventh embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S801 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game as mentioned, and in addition, each ofthe base game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

And if it is determined that the slot machine is not in the probabilitychange mode at present (S801: NO), the count values stored in the totalcredit counter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G of the RAM 52 areobtained and the payout rate (rate of credits paid out against thecredit number betted by the player) of the slot machine at present iscalculated based on two count values (S802). Here, the payout rate iscalculated according to “the count value of the total credit counter 52Bthe count value of the bet credit counter 52G”.

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the payout ratecalculated is the predetermined rate (S803). Here, in the slot machineof the eleventh embodiment, the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode when the payout rate of the slot machine becomes less than85%.

Therefore, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the payout ratecalculated in S802 becomes less than 85%.

And if it is determined that the payout rate obtained becomes 85% (S803:YES), the game state shifts to the probability change mode in S804. Ifthe game state shifts to the probability change mode, the reel stripdisplaying the symbols on the variable display portions 21 is changedfrom the first reel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13),and the symbols are variably moved, stopped and displayed on thevariable display portions 21 to 25 by utilizing the second reel strip102 the sixth reel strip 106 from the next game. Here, in the sixth reelstrip 106, the symbol “WILD” and “SARDINE” are more included as shown inFIG. 14, in comparison with the first reel strip 101, thereby theprobability to win the winning symbol combination shown in FIG. 12increases. Therefore, based on that the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the player can obtain more payout than that inthe normal mode, with the same bet number (payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the payout rate obtained isnot less than 85% (S803: NO), the probability change mode changingprocess is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S805). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S806, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the eleventh embodiment, there are set beforehand 13 kindsof the termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the eleventh embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line. If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S807). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystal display4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S606. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S801: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S808). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S809 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S406 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S809). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S809: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S810). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S811). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S809: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to theeleventh embodiment, during the base game or the bonus game, in a casethat the payout rate of the slot machine at present becomes less than85% (S803: YES), the first reel strip 101 variably moving, stopping anddisplaying the symbols on the variable display portion 21 is changed tothe sixth reel strip in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol“SARDINE” are included, till the termination condition determined by thelottery (S805) is satisfied from the next game, thereby the game stateshifts to the probability change mode in which the probability to winthe winning symbol combination increases in comparison with the normalmode (S804). Therefore, the game state can be variously changed at thetiming that the player cannot predict during the game and a wave in thepayout of the game media can be produced. Thus, the game state of theslot machine 1 can be variegated and the player never loses interest forgames. And by shifting the game state to the probability change mode forthe player who is a beginner having a lower payout rate, the game arcadecan get repeaters, thereby such game arcade can collect many customers.

Further, since the termination condition to terminate the probabilitychange mode is changed according to the lottery which is conducted everytime the game state shifts to the probability change mode (S805), a gamepattern is increased and game characteristic is improved. And since thetermination condition is displayed on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S806), the player conducting the game can acknowledge that theprobability change mode is terminated and intention of the player isincreased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Twelfth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the twelfth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 41. Here, in the explanation mentionedlater, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the first embodimentdescribed on the basis of FIGS. 1 to 22 indicate the constructiveelements which are same as those or correspond to those in the slotmachine 1 of the twelfth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the twelfthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thefirst embodiment. And various control processes in the twelfthembodiment are substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 ofthe first embodiment.

However, the slot machine in the twelfth embodiment is different fromthe slot machine 1 in the first embodiment in the following point. Thatis, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if a predeterminedcondition (one of the conditions that three of the symbol “SARDINE” arestopped and displayed at the same time, five of the symbol “WILD” arestopped on the pay line and the JP is won, with no relation to the paylines) is realized, the game state shifts to the probability change modein which the probability to win the winning combination (see FIG. 12)becomes higher than the normal mode. On the contrary, in the slotmachine of the twelfth embodiment, if the credit number of the JP (JackPot) that 10% of the credit number betted by operation of 20 slotmachines including the slot machine of the twelfth embodiment isaccumulated, is less than 100000 credits, the game state shifts to theprobability change mode in which the probability that the winning symbolcombination is stopped so as to align on the pay line increases. Here,although the credit number of the JP is accumulatively added byrepeating betting operation, when anyone among the players playing with20 slot machines wins the JP, the credits corresponding to the creditnumber accumulated in the present JP are paid out together. At thattime, the sum of the JP is reset to “0” and is again accumulativelyadded.

And the sum of the present JP is stored in the JP sum storing area 52Fof the RAM 52 and is displayed in the JP sum display portion 11.

In order to realize the above, in the slot machine of the twelfthembodiment, during the base game and the bonus game, the game stateshifts to the probability change mode if a predetermined condition issatisfied. Here, the probability change mode is a special game mode towhich the game state is shifted, in a case that the credit numberaccumulated as the JP is less than 100000 credits. The credit number ofthe JP corresponds to the credit number obtained by accumulating 10% ofthe credit number betted in 20 slot machines till any one of the playersplaying with 20 slot machines including the slot machine of the twelfthembodiment wins the JP. The present credit number of the JP is stored inthe JP sum storing area 52F of the RAM 52.

And if the CPU 50 determines that the JP sum read out from the JP sumstoring area 52F is less than 100000 credits, the game state shifts tothe probability change mode that the probability to win the winningsymbol combination (see FIG. 12) becomes higher than in the normal modetill a predetermined termination condition is satisfied from the nextgame (here, one game means a time till variable display of the symbolsis started on each of the variable display portions 21 to 25, thereafterthe symbols are stopped and displayed thereon).

Next, the probability change mode changing process done in S35 and S50will be described with reference to FIG. 41. FIG. 41 is a flowchart ofthe probability change mode changing process in the slot machineaccording to the twelfth embodiment.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S961 whether or not the slot machine 1 at present is inthe probability change mode. Here, the slot machine 1 has two gamingstates of the base game and the bonus game, and in addition, each of thebase game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode. And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

If the slot machine 1 is not in the probability change mode at present(S961: NO), the credit number of the present JP stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52 is obtained (S962). The JP sum isaccumulatively added every game in the JP and the bet number additionprocess in S14 corresponding to the credit number betted in S13.

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the JP sum obtained isless than 100000 credits (S963). And if it is determined that the JP sumis less than 100000 credits (S963: YES), the game state shifts to theprobability change mode in S964. If the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols on thevariable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 tothe sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variablymoved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from thenext game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and“SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with thefirst reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the player can obtainmore payout than that in the normal mode, with the same bet number(payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the JP sum obtained is notless than 100000 credits (S963: NO), the probability change modechanging process is terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S965). Thereby, it can be notifiedto the player that the probability change mode is realized. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S961: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S966). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S967 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not any one of the terminationconditions to terminate the probability change mode is satisfied (S967).In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the terminationconditions mentioned in the above, there are set cases: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe game is started with the MAX bet (the state that all of twenty-fivepay lines are activated and the bet number is set to 8 for each of theactivated pay lines) and five symbols “LOBSTER” are successively stoppedand displayed on the activated pay line through the variable displayportions 21 to 25; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations shownin FIG. 12 is won in fifteen times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from startof the game become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits ofthe player exceed 10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the playerexceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to the probability changemode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the gamenumber done by the player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8)if the game number exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10o'clock and 45 minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21o'clock and 45 minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after thegame state shifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits. And if such termination condition is satisfied, the probabilitychange mode is terminated in such game.

Concretely, the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined basedon the winning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And thetermination conditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the countvalue stored in each of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52,the total credit counter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total gamenumber counter 52D and the game number counter 52E. And the terminationconditions of (9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of thetimer 87 connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11)is determined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S65. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that any one of the terminationconditions is satisfied (S967: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S968). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S969). Thereby, it can be notified to theplayer that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter, theprobability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the terminationconditions is not satisfied (S967: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned, in the slot machine 1 of the twelfth embodiment, duringthe base game or the bonus game, in a case that the JP sum of the slotmachine at present is less than 100000 credits (S963: YES), the firstreel strip 101 variably moving, stopping and displaying the symbols onthe variable display portion 21 is changed to the sixth reel strip 106in which more the symbol “WILD” and the symbol “SARDINE” are included,till any one of the termination conditions is satisfied from the nextgame, thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode inwhich the probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S964). Therefore, the game state can bevariously changed at the timing that the player cannot predict duringthe game and a wave in the payout of the game media can be produced.Thus, the game state of the slot machine 1 can be variegated and theplayer never loses interest for games. And by shifting the game state tothe probability change mode for the player who is a beginner having alower payout rate, the game arcade can get repeaters, thereby such gamearcade can collect many customers.

And after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, thecharacters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS REALIZED!!” aredisplayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JPsum display portion 11 (S965). Thereby, the player can acknowledgeduring the game that the probability change mode is realized, thusexpectation for games can be raised. And in the probability change mode,strategy for games to increase the bet number and the like can beimproved.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, the characters91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!” are displayed for 5seconds on the display area of the lower liquid crystal display 4 otherthan the variable display portions 21 to 25 and the JP sum displayportion 11 (S969). Thereby, it can be notified to the player that theprobability change mode is terminated. Therefore, the player canacknowledge that the probability change mode is terminated, thus afterthe probability change mode is terminated, strategy for games to reducethe bet number and the like can be improved.

Thirteenth Embodiment

Next, the slot machine according to the thirteenth embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 42. Here, in explanation mentionedhereinafter, the same signs used in the slot machine 1 of the twelfthembodiment described on the basis of FIG. 41 indicate the constructiveelements which are same as those or correspond to those in the slotmachine 1 of the twelfth embodiment.

The outline construction of the slot machine according to the thirteenthembodiment is substantially as same as that of the slot machine 1 in thetwelfth embodiment. And various control processes in the eleventhembodiment are substantially as same as those in the slot machine 1 ofthe twelfth embodiment.

However, the slot machine in the thirteen embodiment is different fromthe slot machine in the twelfth embodiment in following points. That is,in the slot machine of the twelfth embodiment, thirteen kinds ofconditions are set as the termination condition of the probabilitychange mode and when any one of such conditions is satisfied, theprobability change mode at present is terminated. On the contrary, inthe slot machine of the thirteenth embodiment, one condition is selectedamong thirteen termination conditions and the probability change mode isterminated by utilizing the selected termination condition.

Next, the probability change mode changing process executed in the slotmachine of the thirteenth embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 42. FIG. 42 is a flowchart of the probability change mode changingprocess program in the slot machine of the thirteenth embodiment. Here,program shown by the flowchart in FIG. 42 is stored in the ROM 51 or theRAM 52 provided in the slot machine of the thirteenth embodiment and isexecuted by the CPU 50.

In the probability change mode changing process, at first, the CPU 50determines in S1001 whether or not the slot machine at present is in theprobability change mode. Here, the slot machine has two gaming states ofthe base game and the bonus game as mentioned, and in addition, each ofthe base game and the bonus game has two game modes of the probabilitychange mode and the normal mode (the game state (including the base gameand the bonus game) other than the probability change mode). And if apredetermined condition is satisfied, each mode is mutually changed.

And if it is determined that the slot machine is not in the probabilitychange mode at present (S1101: NO), the credit number of the present JPstored in the JP sum storing area 52F of the RAM 52 is obtained (S1102).The JP sum is accumulatively added every game in the JP and the betnumber addition process in S14 corresponding to the credit number bettedin S13.

Thereafter, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the JP sum obtained isless than 100000 credits (S1103). And if it is determined that the JPsum is less than 100000 credits (S1103: YES), the game state shifts tothe probability change mode in S1104. If the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, the reel strip displaying the symbols on thevariable display portions 21 is changed from the first reel strip 101 tothe sixth reel strip 106 (see FIG. 13), and the symbols are variablymoved, stopped and displayed on the variable display portions 21 to 25by utilizing the second reel strip 102˜the sixth reel strip 106 from thenext game. Here, in the sixth reel strip 106, the symbol “WILD” and“SARDINE” are more included as shown in FIG. 14, in comparison with thefirst reel strip 101, thereby the probability to win the winning symbolcombination shown in FIG. 12 increases. Therefore, based on that thegame state shifts to the probability change mode, the player can obtainmore payout than that in the normal mode, with the same bet number(payout rate increases).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the JP sum is not less than100000 credits (S1103: NO), the probability change mode changing processis terminated.

Further, after the game state shifts to the probability change mode, asshown in FIG. 21, characters 90 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE ISREALIZED!!” are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lowerliquid crystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to25 and the JP sum display portion 11 (S1105). Thereby, it can benotified to the player that the probability change mode is realized.

Next, in S1106, the termination condition lottery process to conduct alottery of the termination condition is executed. In the slot machineaccording to the thirteenth embodiment, there are set beforehand 13kinds of the termination conditions as the conditions to terminate theprobability change mode. Concretely, such conditions are: (1) if threesymbols “SARDINE” are stopped and displayed during the probabilitychange mode at the same time with no relation to the activated paylines; (2) if five symbols “WILD” are stopped on the pay line; (3) ifthe JP is won; (4) if any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode; (5) if coins obtained by the player from start of the game becomemore than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of the player exceed10,000 credits); (6) if coins obtained by the player exceed 1,000 coinsafter the game state shifts to the probability change mode (if theobtained credits exceed 1,000 credits); (7) if the game number done bythe player from start of the game exceeds 500 games; (8) if the gamenumber exceeds 20 games after the game state shifts to the probabilitychange mode; (9) if the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45minutes (10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45minutes (21:45); (10) if three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode; (11) if termination of theprobability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame; (12) if the payout rate exceeds 90% and (13) if the present creditnumber displayed in the JP sum display portion 11 exceeds 100,000credits.

And in the slot machine of the thirteenth embodiment, one condition isselected among the above 13 termination conditions set in the above andsuch selected termination condition is made as the termination conditionto terminate the probability change mode.

In a termination condition display process, a lottery is executed basedon random numbers “0”˜“12” sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 by utilizing a termination condition lottery table 51F shownin FIG. 28. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a terminationcondition lottery table utilized in the termination condition lotteryprocess.

As shown in FIG. 28, the termination condition lottery table 51F is alottery table to conduct a lottery of the termination condition based onthe random numbers “0”˜“12”b sampled through the random number samplingcircuit 56 when the game state shifts to the probability change mode.And the termination condition to terminate the probability change modeis determined based on the obtained random number by the CPU 50.

Concretely, if the random number is “0”, the termination condition isset to the condition that (1) three symbols “SARDINE” are stopped anddisplayed during the probability change mode at the same time with norelation to the activated pay lines. If the random number is “1”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (2) five symbols“WILD” are stopped on the pay line. If the random number is “2”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (3) the JP is won. Ifthe random number is “3”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (4) any of the winning symbol combinations is won infifteen times after the game state shifts to the probability changemode. If the random number is “4”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (5) coins obtained by the player from start of thegame become more than 10,000 coins (if the obtained credits of theplayer exceed 10,000 credits). If the random number is “5”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (6) coins obtained bythe player exceed 1,000 coins after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode (if the obtained credits exceed 1,000 credits).If the random number is “6”, the termination condition is set to thecondition that (7) the game number done by the player from start of thegame exceeds 500 games. If the random number is “7”, the terminationcondition is set to the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20games after the game state shifts to the probability change mode. If therandom number is “8”, the termination condition is set to the conditionthat (9) the present time becomes any of 10 o'clock and 45 minutes(10:45), 13 o'clock and 15 minutes (13:15) and 21 o'clock and 45 minutes(21:45). If the random number is “9”, the termination condition is setto the condition that (10) three minutes elapse after the game stateshifts to the probability change mode. If the random number is “10”, thetermination condition is set to the condition that (11) termination ofthe probability change mode is determined in the lottery done every onegame. If the random number is “11”, the termination condition is set tothe condition that (12) the payout rate exceeds 90%. And If the randomnumber is “12”, the termination condition is set to the condition that(13) the present credit number displayed in the JP sum display portion11 exceeds 100,000 credits.

And after the lottery of the termination condition is executed, thetermination condition selected based on the lottery result is displayedon the display area other than the variable display portions 21 to 25and the JP sum display portion 11 on the lower liquid crystal display 4(S1107). FIG. 29 is a front view showing the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 on which the termination condition is displayed.

In FIG. 29, it is displayed a case that the termination conditionbecomes the condition that (8) the game number exceeds 20 games afterthe game state shifts to the probability change mode in the terminationcondition lottery process of S1106. As shown in FIG. 29, based on thatcharacters 92 showing the termination condition displayed on the lowerliquid crystal display 4 are displayed, the termination condition duringthe game can be notified to the player. Therefore, the player conductingthe game can acknowledge that the probability change mode is terminatedbased on which condition.

On the other hand, if the game state at present is in the probabilitychange mode (S1101: YES), a termination lottery process of theprobability change mode, which is one of the termination conditions ofthe probability change mode, is conducted (S1108). The terminationlottery process of the probability change mode is executed by conductinga lottery based on the random numbers of “0”˜“9” sampled through therandom number sampling circuit 56 in use of the termination lotterytable 51B (see FIG. 11) of the probability change mode. And if therandom number is “9”, one of the termination conditions in S1109 issatisfied.

Next, it is determined whether or not one termination condition selectedin S1106 is satisfied among the conditions (1)˜(13) (S1109). Concretely,the termination conditions of (1)˜(3) are determined based on thewinning symbol combination determined in S22 or S43. And the terminationconditions of (4)˜(8) are determined based on the count value stored ineach of the winning symbol counter 52A of the RAM 52, the total creditcounter 52B, the credit counter 52C, the total game number counter 52Dand the game number counter 52E. And the termination conditions of(9)˜(10) are determined based on the measured value of the timer 87connected to the CPU 50. And the termination condition of (11) isdetermined based on the termination lottery result of the probabilitychange mode in S107. And the termination condition (12) is determinedbased on the payout rate calculated according to the total creditcounter 52B and the bet credit counter 52G. Further, the terminationcondition (13) is determined based on the JP sum stored in the JP sumstoring area 52F of the RAM 52.

If it is determined by the CPU 50 that the selected terminationcondition is satisfied (S1109: YES), the probability change mode isterminated (S1110). After the probability change mode is terminated, thereel strip to display the symbols on the variable display portion 21 ischanged from the sixth reel strip 106 to the first reel strip 101 andthe symbols of the variable display portions 21 to 25 are variablymoved, stopped and displayed by utilizing the first reel strip 101˜thefifth reel strip 105 from the next game.

Further, after the probability change mode is terminated, as shown inFIG. 22, characters 91 showing “PROBABILITY CHANGE MODE IS TERMINATED!!”are displayed for 5 seconds on the display area of the lower liquidcrystal display 4 other than the variable display portions 21 to 25 andthe JP sum display portion 11 (S1111). Thereby, it can be notified tothe player that the probability change mode is terminated. Thereafter,the probability change mode changing process is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the selected terminationcondition is not satisfied (S1109: NO), the probability change mode iscontinued and the probability change mode changing process isterminated.

As mentioned in the above, in the slot machine 1 according to theeleventh embodiment, during the base game or the bonus game, in a casethat the JP sum of the slot machine at present is less than 100000credits (S1103: YES), the first reel strip 101 variably moving, stoppingand displaying the symbols on the variable display portion 21 is changedto the sixth reel strip 106 in which more the symbol “WILD” and thesymbol “SARDINE” are included, till the termination condition determinedby the lottery (S805) is satisfied from the next game, thereby the gamestate shifts to the probability change mode in which the probability towin the winning symbol combination increases in comparison with thenormal mode (S804). Therefore, the game state can be variously changedat the timing that the player cannot predict during the game and a wavein the payout of the game media can be produced. Thus, the game state ofthe slot machine 1 can be variegated and the player never loses interestfor games.

Further, since the termination condition to terminate the probabilitychange mode is changed according to the lottery which is conducted everytime the game state shifts to the probability change mode (S1105), agame pattern is increased and game characteristic is improved. And sincethe termination condition is displayed on the lower liquid crystaldisplay 4 (S1106), the player conducting the game can acknowledge thatthe probability change mode is terminated and intention of the player isincreased. Further, strategy for games is improved.

Here, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments andvarious improvements and modifications can be done within the scope ofthe present invention.

For example, although, in the first to the thirteenth embodiments, thegame state shifts to the probability change mode by satisfying the startcondition thereof in both the base game and the bonus game, the gamestate may shift to the probability change mode by satisfying the startcondition thereof in only the base game or in only the bonus game.

And as for the termination condition (1), although it is required thatthree symbols “SARDINE”, each of which is the scatter symbol, arestopped and displayed at the same time, such termination condition (1)may be satisfied in a case that three other symbols (for example, thesymbol “FISH”) are stopped and displayed at the same time.

And it may be conceivable that it is provided an operation device tochange the start condition and the termination condition and suchconditions can be changed by the operation device at the game arcadeside For example, although, in the first to the third embodiments, itbecomes one of the termination conditions that any of the winning symbolcombinations is won in 15 times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode, it may be conceivable that the terminationcondition can be changed to the condition that any of the winning symbolcombinations is won in 20 times after the game state shifts to theprobability change mode.

And although, in the first to the thirteenth embodiments, when theterminations condition is satisfied the probability change mode atpresent is certainly terminated, it may be conceivable that the lotteryis further conducted when the termination condition is satisfied and itis selected whether the probability change mode is continued orterminated based on the lottery result.

And although, in the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh andthirteenth embodiments, similar to the first embodiment, the probabilityto win the winning symbol combination is increased by changing the firstreel strip 101 to the sixth reel strip 106, both reel strips displayingthe symbols on the variable display portion 21, when the game stateshifts to the probability change mode, it may be conceivable that theprobability to win the winning symbol combination is increased bychanging the lottery table utilized for the lottery of the winningsymbol combination based on the random number value, similar to thesecond embodiment.

In the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, in a case that thesymbol combination stopped and displayed through the variable displayportions 21 to 25 becomes three symbols “SARDINE” which are stopped anddisplayed at the same time with no relation to the activated pay linesin the base game or the bonus game, or in a case that five symbols“WILD” are stopped and displayed on the activated pay line, or in a casethat the JP is won (S62: YES), the winning symbol combination lotterytable utilized for lottery of the winning symbol combination in thewinning symbol combination lottery process is changed from the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51D for the normal mode to the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51E for the probability change mode,thereby the game state shifts to the probability change mode in whichthe probability to win the winning symbol combination increases incomparison with the normal mode (S63).

However, the second embodiment may be modified as follows. That is,based on the same condition in the fourth embodiment, in a case that anyof the winning symbol combination is won in 30 times, or in a case thatthe number of coins obtained by the player from start of the gameexceeds 1000 coins or 5000 coins or in a case that the number of gamesconducted by the player exceeds 100 games or 300 games (S163: YES), thewinning symbol combination lottery table utilized for lottery of thewinning symbol combination in the winning symbol combination lotteryprocess may be changed from the winning symbol combination lottery table51D for the normal mode to the winning symbol combination lottery table51E for the probability change mode.

And based on the same condition in the sixth embodiment, in a case thatthe present time becomes any one of 9 o'clock, 12 o'clock and 21 o'clock(S363: YES), the winning symbol combination lottery table utilized forlottery of the winning symbol combination in the winning symbolcombination lottery process may be changed from the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51D for the normal mode to the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51E for the probability change mode.

Further, based on the same condition in the eighth embodiment, it isconducted the lottery to determine whether or not the game state shiftsto the probability change mode (S562) and as the lottery result, it isdetermined that the game state is shifted to the probability change mode(S563: YES), thereby the winning symbol combination lottery tableutilized for lottery of the winning symbol combination in the winningsymbol combination lottery process may be changed from the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51D for the normal mode to the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51E for the probability change mode.

And based on the same condition in the tenth embodiment, in a case thatthe payout rate of the slot machine at present becomes less than 85%(S763: YES), the winning symbol combination lottery table utilized forlottery of the winning symbol combination in the winning symbolcombination lottery process may be changed from the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51D for the normal mode to the winning symbolcombination lottery table 51E for the probability change mode.

Further, based on the same condition in the twelfth embodiment, in acase that the JP sum of the slot machine at present is less than 100000credits (S963: YES), the winning symbol combination lottery tableutilized for lottery of the winning symbol combination in the winningsymbol combination lottery process may be changed from the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51D for the normal mode to the winningsymbol combination lottery table 51E for the probability change mode.

For example, within the slot machine 1 according to the fourth and fifthembodiments, although it is provided the count device for counting thegame number according to which the player conducts games, the creditnumber paid out, the winning number of times to win the winning symbolcombination, respectively, such count device may be provided out of theslot machine. Hereinafter, it will be described a modification in whichthe count device is provided out of the slot machine.

In the modification in which the count device is provided out of theslot machine 1, a plurality of slot machines 1 installed the game arcadeare connected to a server through a network. And each slot machine 1 isconstructed so as to transmit and receive various information betweenthe server through the network.

Here, the server controls plural slot machines installed in the gamearcade and a specific discriminative number is respectively given toeach of the slot machines 1, thereby the server judges a release sourceof data transmitted from each of the slot machines 1 based on thespecific discriminative number. And in a case that data are transmittedform the server to the slot machine 1, the slot machine 1 to which dataare transmitted is directed by the specific discriminative number.

And the CPU 50 of the slot machine 1 transmits to the server through theinterface circuit provided in the slot machine 1 a signal indicatingthat the game is started in the slot machine 1 when the game is started.And if it is determined that the symbols stopped and displayedcorresponds to any of the winning symbol combination, a signalindicating that the winning symbol combination is won is transmitted tothe server through the interface circuit provided in the slot machine 1.Further, if the credit is paid out according to that the winning symbolcombination is won, a signal indicating the credit number paid out istransmitted to the server through the interface circuit provided in theslot machine 1.

And among signals transmitted form the slot machine 1, a direct signalto direct the slot machine 1, that is, data indicating which slotmachine 1 among plural slot machines 1 controlled by the server areattached to the signal. For example, in a case that the specificdiscriminative number “005” is allotted to the slot machine 1 amongplural slot machines 1 controlled by the server and the signalindicating that the game is started is “1”, the signal such as “005-1”is transmitted to the server when the game is started in the slotmachine 1.

On the other hand, based on the signal transmitted from the slot machine1, the server stores the game number of times, the winning number oftimes of the winning symbol combination and the credit number paid outin the memory provided in the server every each of the slot machines 1.And if it is determined by the CPU in the server that each of the gamenumber of times, the winning number of times of the winning symbolcombination and the credit number paid out, each being stored in thememory, reaches to a predetermine value (for example, 100 games for thegame number of times, 30 times for the winning number of times of thewinning symbol combination, 1000 credits for the credit number paidout), a signal indicating that each of the above numbers reaches to thepredetermined value is transmitted to the slot machine 1 correspondingthereto through the interface circuit. Thereafter, the slot machinereceiving such signal conducts a process to shift the game state to theprobability change mode from the next game.

As mentioned, in the modification in which it is provided the countdevice for counting the game number and the like in the server existingout of the slot machine 1, plural slot machines 1 can be controlledtogether, thereby gaming machines such as slot machines in the gamearcade can be easily controlled.

For example, within the slot machine 1 according to the sixth andseventh embodiments, although it is provided the time count device forcounting a time from the predetermined time, such time count device maybe provided out of the slot machine. Hereinafter, it will be described amodification in which the time count device is provided out of the slotmachine.

In the modification in which the time count device is provided out ofthe slot machine 1, a plurality of slot machines 1 installed the gamearcade are connected to a server through a network. And each slotmachine 1 is constructed so as to transmit and receive variousinformation between the server through the network.

Here, the server controls plural slot machines installed in the gamearcade and a specific discriminative number is respectively given toeach of the slot machines 1, thereby the server judges a release sourceof data transmitted from each of the slot machines 1 based on thespecific discriminative number. And in a case that data are transmittedform the server to the slot machine 1, the slot machine 1 to which dataare transmitted is directed by the specific discriminative number.

And the CPU 50 of the slot machine 1 transmits to the server through thetransmission interface circuit provided in the slot machine 1 a signalindicating that a main power is turned on when the main power of theslot machine 1 is turned on.

And among signals transmitted form the slot machine 1, a direct signalto direct the slot machine 1, that is, data indicating which slotmachine 1 among plural slot machines 1 controlled by the server areattached to the signal. For example, in a case that the specificdiscriminative number “005” is allotted to the slot machine 1 amongplural slot machines 1 controlled by the server and the signalindicating that the main power is turned on is “1”, the signal such as“005-1” is transmitted to the server when the main power in the slotmachine 1 is turned on.

On the other hand, based on the signal transmitted from the slot machine1, the server starts to count the elapsing time since the game arcade isopened by the timer having time counting function provided in theserver. And if it is determined by the CPU in the server that the timeelapsed counted by the timer since the game arcade is opened reaches toa predetermined time (for example, three hours) or if it is determinedthat the present time indicated by the time counting function of thetimer reaches to a predetermined time (for example, nine o'clock PM),the signal indicating the above is transmitted through the interfacecircuit to the slot machine 1 corresponding thereto. Thereafter, in theslot machine receiving the signal, the game state shifts to theprobability change mode from the next game.

As mentioned, in the modification in which it is provided the time countdevice in the server existing out of the slot machine 1, plural slotmachines 1 can be controlled together, thereby gaming machines such asslot machines in the game arcade can be easily controlled.

In the sixth and seventh embodiments, although it is required acondition that the present time becomes a predetermined time (forexample, nine o'clock, twelve o'clock, 21 o'clock) as the startcondition to shift the game state to the probability change mode duringthe base game or the bonus game, such start condition may be changed toa condition that day and time become a predetermined day of the week(for example, Monday, Thursday) and a predetermined time (nine o'clock,twelve o'clock, 21 o'clock).

For example, within the slot machine 1 according to the tenth andeleventh embodiments, although it is provided the payout ratemeasurement device for measuring the payout, such payout ratemeasurement device may be provided out of the slot machine. Hereinafter,it will be described a modification in which the payout rate measurementdevice is provided out of the slot machine.

In the modification in which the payout rate measurement device isprovided out of the slot machine 1, a plurality of slot machines 1installed the game arcade are connected to a server through a network.And each slot machine 1 is constructed so as to transmit and receivevarious information between the server through the network.

Here, the server controls plural slot machines installed in the gamearcade and a specific discriminative number is respectively given toeach of the slot machines 1, thereby the server judges a release sourceof data transmitted from each of the slot machines 1 based on thespecific discriminative number. And in a case that data are transmittedform the server to the slot machine 1, the slot machine 1 to which dataare transmitted is directed by the specific discriminative number.

And the CPU 50 of the slot machine 1 transmits to the server through theinterface circuit provided in the slot machine 1 a signal indicating thecredit number betted when the game is started. And when the winningsymbol combination is won and the payout thereof is paid out, a signalindicating the credit number paid out is transmitted to the serverthrough the transmission interface circuit.

And among signals transmitted form the slot machine 1, a direct signalto direct the slot machine 1, that is, data indicating which slotmachine 1 among plural slot machines 1 controlled by the server areattached to the signal. For example, in a case that the specificdiscriminative number “005” is allotted to the slot machine 1 amongplural slot machines 1 controlled by the server and the signalindicating that 60 credits are betted and the game is started is “060”,the signal such as “005-060” is transmitted to the server when the gameis started in the slot machine 1.

On the other hand, based on the signal transmitted from the slot machine1, the server accumulatively stores the credit number betted, the creditnumber paid out in the memory provided in the server every slot machine1. And the payout rate is calculated by the CPU in the server based onthe credit number betted by the present time and the credit number paidout, and if it is determined that the calculated payout rate reaches toa value less than a predetermined rate (for example, 80%), the signalindicating the above is transmitted through the interface circuit to theslot machine 1 corresponding thereto. Thereafter, the game state shiftsto the probability change mode from the next game.

As mentioned, in the modification in which it is provided the payoutrate measurement device in the server existing out of the slot machine1, plural slot machines 1 can be controlled together, thereby gamingmachines such as slot machines in the game arcade can be easilycontrolled.

For example, within the slot machine 1 according to the twelfth andthirteenth embodiments, although it is provided the accumulative storingdevice for storing the JP credit number, such accumulative storingdevice may be provided out of the slot machine 1. Hereinafter, it willbe described a modification in which the accumulative storing device isprovided out of the slot machine 1.

In the modification in which the accumulative storing device is providedout of the slot machine 1, a plurality of slot machines 1 installed thegame arcade are connected to a server through a network. And each slotmachine 1 is constructed so as to transmit and receive variousinformation between the server through the network.

Here, the server controls plural slot machines installed in the gamearcade and a specific discriminative number is respectively given toeach of the slot machines 1, thereby the server judges a release sourceof data transmitted from each of the slot machines 1 based on thespecific discriminative number. And in a case that data are transmittedform the server to the slot machine 1, the slot machine 1 to which dataare transmitted is directed by the specific discriminative number.

And the CPU 50 of the slot machine 1 transmits to the server through thetransmission interface circuit provided in the slot machine 1 a signalindicating the credit number betted when the game is started.

And among signals transmitted form the slot machine 1, a direct signalto direct the slot machine 1, that is, data indicating which slotmachine 1 among plural slot machines 1 controlled by the server areattached to the signal. For example, in a case that the specificdiscriminative number “005” is allotted to the slot machine 1 amongplural slot machines 1 controlled by the server and the signalindicating that 60 credits are betted and the game is started is “060”,the signal such as “005-060” is transmitted to the server when the gameis started in the slot machine 1.

On the other hand, based on the signal transmitted from the slot machine1, the server accumulatively stores in the memory provided in the serverthe credit number with a predetermined rate (for example, 10%) among thecredit number betted in all slot machines connected thereto, as the JPcredit number. And if it is determined by the CPU in the server that theJP credit number reaches to a predetermined sum (for example, 100000credits), the signal indicating the above is transmitted through theinterface circuit to the slot machine 1 corresponding thereto.Thereafter, the slot machine receiving such signal conducts a process toshift the game state to the probability change mode from the next game.

As mentioned, in the modification in which it is provided theaccumulative storing device for storing the JP credit number in theserver existing out of the slot machine 1, plural slot machines 1 can becontrolled together, thereby gaming machines such as slot machines inthe game arcade can be easily controlled.

And in the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments, although the JP (JackPot) accumulatively adds 10% of the credits betted in 20 slot machinesincluding the slot machine 1, 10% of the credit betted in only one slotmachine may be accumulatively added.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a plurality ofvariable display portions in each of which plural kinds of symbols arevariably displayed; a stop control device for conducting stop control ofthe symbols which are stopped and displayed in each of the variabledisplay portions; a payout device for paying out a predetermined numberof game media when a symbol combination formed by the symbols stoppedand displayed in each of the variable display portions becomes apredetermined winning symbol combination; and a shift device forshifting a game state to a special game mode in which a probabilityaccording to which the predetermined winning symbol combination isstopped and displayed through the variable display portions by the stopcontrol device increases, wherein the shift device retains the specialgame mode till a predetermined termination condition is satisfied in acase that the winning symbol combination satisfies a predetermined startcondition.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the stopcontrol device comprises: a random number generation device forgenerating random numbers; a symbol combination determination device fordetermining the symbol combination corresponding to the random numbersgenerated by the random number generation device; wherein the stopcontrol device conducts the stop control of the symbols so as to bestopped and displayed in each of the variable display portionscorresponding to the symbol combination determined by the symboldetermination device.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1,further comprising: a notification device for notifying that the gamestate is shifted to the special game mode by the shift device.
 4. Thegaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predeterminedtermination condition is set to a condition that the symbols stopped anddisplayed in each of the variable display portions constructs apredetermined symbol combination after the game state shifts to thespecial game mode.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, furthercomprising: a termination condition selection device for selecting thetermination condition among plural conditions; wherein the notificationdevice notifies the termination condition selected by the terminationselection device.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, whereinthe notification device notifies that the termination condition issatisfied.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein a game inwhich the symbols are variably displayed and stopped in each of thevariable display portions is repeated and continued.
 8. The gamingmachine according to claim 7, further comprising: a count device foraccumulatively counting a predetermined number concerning with the gamecorresponding to that the game are continued; wherein the shift deviceshifts the game state to the special game mode when a count resultcounted by the count device becomes a predetermined value.
 9. The gamingmachine according to claim 8, wherein the count device accumulativelycounts a number of the game media paid out by the payout device.
 10. Thegaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the count deviceaccumulatively counts a number of games executed in the gaming machine.11. The gaming machine according to claim 8, wherein the predeterminedtermination condition is set to a condition that the count resultcounted by the count device becomes a predetermined value after the gamestate shifts to the special game mode.
 12. The gaming machine accordingto claim 7, further comprising: a time count device for counting a timeelapsing from a standard time; wherein the shift device shifts the gamestate to the special game mode when the time counted by the time countdevice becomes a predetermined time.
 13. The gaming machine according toclaim 7, further comprising: a lottery device for conducting a lotterywhether or not the game state shifts to the special game modecorresponding to that the game is continued; wherein the shift deviceshifts the game state to the special game mode when it is determinedthat the game state is shifted based on a lottery result by the lotterydevice.
 14. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising:a payout rate measurement device for measuring a payout ratecorresponding to that the game is continued; wherein the shift deviceshifts the game state to the special game mode when the payout ratemeasured by the payout rate measurement device becomes a predeterminedrate.
 15. The gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising:an accumulative storing device for accumulatively storing the game mediawith a predetermined rate among the game media betted in plural gamingmachines corresponding to that the game is continued; wherein the payoutdevice pays out the game media corresponding to a number stored in theaccumulative storing device when a predetermined condition is satisfied,and wherein the shift device shifts the game state to the special gamemode when the number of the game media stored in the accumulativestoring device becomes a predetermined number.